Device, method, and graphical user interface for managing concurrently open software applications

ABSTRACT

A method includes displaying a first application view. A first input is detected, and an application view selection mode is entered for selecting one of concurrently open applications for display in a corresponding application view. An initial group of open application icons in a first predefined area and at least a portion of the first application view adjacent to the first predefined area are concurrently displayed. The initial group of open application icons corresponds to at least some of the concurrently open applications. A gesture is detected on a respective open application icon in the first predefined area, and a respective application view for a corresponding application is displayed without concurrently displaying an application view for any other application in the concurrently open applications. The open application icons in the first predefined area cease to be displayed, and the application view selection mode is exited.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/321,869, filed Apr. 7, 2010, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is also related to the following: (1) U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/888,382, filed Sep. 22, 2010, entitled “Device, Method, andGraphical User Interface for Managing Concurrently Open SoftwareApplications,” (2) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/888,384, filed Sep. 22,2010, entitled “Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface forManaging Concurrently Open Software Applications,” (3) U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/888,386, filed , Sep. 22, 2010, entitled “Device, Method,and Graphical User Interface for Managing Concurrently Open SoftwareApplications,” (4) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/888,389, filed Sep. 22,2010, entitled “Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface forManaging Concurrently Open Software Applications,” and (5) U.S.application Ser. No. 12/888,391, filed Sep. 22, 2010, entitled “Device,Method, and Graphical User Interface for Managing Concurrently OpenSoftware Applications,” which are incorporated herein by referenced intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This relates generally to portable electronic devices withtouch-sensitive surfaces, including but not limited to portableelectronic devices with touch-sensitive surfaces that are configured tohave multiple open software applications.

BACKGROUND

The use of touch-sensitive surfaces as input devices for computers andother electronic computing devices has increased significantly in recentyears. Exemplary touch-sensitive surfaces include touch pads and touchscreen displays. Such surfaces are widely used to select, launch, andmanage software applications.

For portable electronic devices, existing methods for managingconcurrently open applications are cumbersome and inefficient. Forexample, portable devices with small screens (e.g., smart phones andother pocket-sized devices) typically display a single application at atime, even though multiple applications may be running on the device.With such devices, a user may have difficulty seeing and managing thecurrently open applications. This situation creates a significantcognitive burden on a user. In addition, existing methods for managingcurrently open applications take longer than necessary, thereby wastingenergy. This latter consideration is particularly important inbattery-operated devices.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for computing devices with faster, moreefficient methods and interfaces for managing concurrently openapplications. Such methods and interfaces may complement or replaceconventional methods for managing concurrently open applications. Suchmethods and interfaces reduce the cognitive burden on a user and producea more efficient human-machine interface. For battery-operated computingdevices, such methods and interfaces conserve power and increase thetime between battery charges.

The above deficiencies and other problems associated with userinterfaces for computing devices with touch-sensitive surfaces arereduced or eliminated by the disclosed devices. In some embodiments, thedevice is portable (e.g., a notebook computer, tablet computer, orhandheld device). In some embodiments, the device has a touchpad. Insome embodiments, the device has a touch-sensitive display (also knownas a “touch screen” or “touch screen display”). In some embodiments, thedevice has a graphical user interface (GUI), one or more processors,memory and one or more modules, programs or sets of instructions storedin the memory for performing multiple functions. In some embodiments,the user interacts with the GUI primarily through finger contacts andgestures on the touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, thefunctions may include image editing, drawing, presenting, wordprocessing, website creating, disk authoring, spreadsheet making, gameplaying, telephoning, video conferencing, e-mailing, instant messaging,workout support, digital photographing, digital videoing, web browsing,digital music playing, and/or digital video playing. Executableinstructions for performing these functions may be included in acomputer readable storage medium or other computer program productconfigured for execution by one or more processors.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display. The method includesdisplaying a first application view on the touch-sensitive display thatcorresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently openapplications. The first application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying an application view for any other application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications. The method alsoincludes detecting a first input, and in response to detecting the firstinput, entering an application view selection mode for selecting one ofthe concurrently open applications for display in a correspondingapplication view, displaying in a first predefined area an initial groupof open application icons that correspond to at least some of theplurality of concurrently open applications, and concurrently displayingat least a portion of the first application view adjacent to the firstpredefined area. The method further includes detecting a gesture on arespective open application icon in the first predefined area, and, inresponse to detecting the gesture on the respective open applicationicon, displaying a respective application view on the touch-sensitivedisplay for a corresponding application in the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications, ceasing to display open application icons in thefirst predefined area, and exiting the application view selection mode.The respective application view is displayed without concurrentlydisplaying an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, one or more processors, memory, and one or moreprograms. The one or more programs are stored in the memory andconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or moreprograms include instructions for displaying a first application view onthe touch-sensitive display that corresponds to a first application in aplurality of concurrently open applications. The first application viewis displayed without concurrently displaying an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.The one or more programs also include instructions for detecting a firstinput, and in response to detecting the first input, entering anapplication view selection mode for selecting one of the concurrentlyopen applications for display in a corresponding application view,displaying in a first predefined area an initial group of openapplication icons that correspond to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications, and concurrently displaying at least aportion of the first application view adjacent to the first predefinedarea. The one or more programs furthermore include instructions fordetecting a gesture on a respective open application icon in the firstpredefined area, and in response to detecting the gesture on therespective open application icon, displaying a respective applicationview on the touch-sensitive display for a corresponding application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications, ceasing to display openapplication icons in the first predefined area, and exiting theapplication view selection mode. The respective application view isdisplayed without concurrently displaying an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a graphical user interface on amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display, a memory, and oneor more processors to execute one or more programs stored in the memoryincludes a first application view on the touch-sensitive display thatcorresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently openapplications. The first application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying an application view for any other application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications. A first input isdetected. In response to detecting the first input, an application viewselection mode for selecting one of the concurrently open applicationsfor display in a corresponding application view is entered, an initialgroup of open application icons that correspond to at least some of theplurality of concurrently open applications is displayed in a firstpredefined area, and at least a portion of the first application view isconcurrently displayed adjacent to the first predefined area. A gestureis detected on a respective open application icon in the firstpredefined area. In response to detecting the gesture on the respectiveopen application icon, a respective application view is displayed on thetouch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in the pluralityof concurrently open applications, open application icons cease to bedisplayed in the first predefined area, and the application viewselection mode is exited. The respective application view is displayedwithout concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer readable storage mediumhas stored therein instructions which when executed by a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive display, cause the device to display afirst application view on the touch-sensitive display that correspondsto a first application in a plurality of concurrently open applications.The first application view is displayed without concurrently displayingan application view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The instructions also cause the deviceto detect a first input, and in response to detecting the first input,enter an application view selection mode for selecting one of theconcurrently open applications for display in a correspondingapplication view, display in a first predefined area an initial group ofopen application icons that correspond to at least some of the pluralityof concurrently open applications, and concurrently display at least aportion of the first application view adjacent to the first predefinedarea. The instructions furthermore cause the device to detect a gestureon a respective open application icon in the first predefined area, andin response to detecting the gesture on the respective open applicationicon, display a respective application view on the touch-sensitivedisplay for a corresponding application in the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications, cease to display open application icons in the firstpredefined area, and exit the application view selection mode. Therespective application view is displayed without concurrently displayingan application view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, and means for displaying a first applicationview on the touch-sensitive display that corresponds to a firstapplication in a plurality of concurrently open applications. The firstapplication view is displayed without concurrently displaying anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The multifunction device also includesmeans for detecting a first input, and means, responsive to detectingthe first input, including: means for entering an application viewselection mode for selecting one of the concurrently open applicationsfor display in a corresponding application view, means for displaying ina first predefined area an initial group of open application icons thatcorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications, and means for concurrently displaying at least a portionof the first application view adjacent to the first predefined area. Themultifunction device furthermore includes means for detecting a gestureon a respective open application icon in the first predefined area, andmeans, responsive to detecting the gesture on the respective openapplication icon, including: means for displaying a respectiveapplication view on the touch-sensitive display for a correspondingapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications, meansfor ceasing to display open application icons in the first predefinedarea, and means for exiting the application view selection mode. Therespective application view is displayed without concurrently displayingan application view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, an information processing apparatusfor use in a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive displayincludes means for displaying a first application view on thetouch-sensitive display that corresponds to a first application in aplurality of concurrently open applications. The first application viewis displayed without concurrently displaying an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.The information processing apparatus includes means for detecting afirst input, and means, responsive to detecting the first input,including: means for entering an application view selection mode forselecting one of the concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view, means for displaying in a firstpredefined area an initial group of open application icons thatcorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications, and means for concurrently displaying at least a portionof the first application view adjacent to the first predefined area. Theinformation processing apparatus furthermore includes means fordetecting a gesture on a respective open application icon in the firstpredefined area, and means, responsive to detecting the gesture on therespective open application icon, including: means for displaying arespective application view on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, means for ceasing to display open application icons in thefirst predefined area, and means for exiting the application viewselection mode. The respective application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying an application view for any other application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display. The method includesdisplaying a first application view on the touch-sensitive display thatcorresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently openapplications. The first application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying an application view for any other application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications. The method alsoincludes detecting a first input, and in response to detecting the firstinput, entering an application view selection mode for selecting one ofthe concurrently open applications for display in a correspondingapplication view, and displaying in a predefined area images of openapplications that correspond to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The images of open applications aredisplayed in a three-dimensional stack extending backwards on thedisplay. The method furthermore includes detecting a gesture on arespective image of an open application in the three-dimensional stack,and in response to detecting the gesture on the respective image of theopen application, displaying a respective application view on thetouch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in the pluralityof concurrently open applications, ceasing to display thethree-dimensional stack of images of open applications, and exiting theapplication view selection mode. The respective application view isdisplayed without concurrently displaying an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, one or more processors, memory, and one or moreprograms. The one or more programs are stored in the memory andconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or moreprograms include instructions for displaying a first application view onthe touch-sensitive display that corresponds to a first application in aplurality of concurrently open applications. The first application viewis displayed without concurrently displaying an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.The one or more programs also include instructions for detecting a firstinput, and in response to detecting the first input, entering anapplication view selection mode for selecting one of the concurrentlyopen applications for display in a corresponding application view, anddisplaying in a predefined area images of open applications thatcorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications. The images of open applications are displayed in athree-dimensional stack extending backwards on the display. The one ormore programs furthermore include instructions for detecting a gestureon a respective image of an open application in the three-dimensionalstack, and in response to detecting the gesture on the respective imageof the open application, displaying a respective application view on thetouch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in the pluralityof concurrently open applications, ceasing to display thethree-dimensional stack of images of open applications, and exiting theapplication view selection mode. The respective application view isdisplayed without concurrently displaying an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a graphical user interface on amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display, a memory, and oneor more processors to execute one or more programs stored in the memoryincludes a first application view on the touch-sensitive display thatcorresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently openapplications. The first application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying an application view for any other application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications. A first input isdetected. In response to detecting the first input, an application viewselection mode for selecting one of the concurrently open applicationsfor display in a corresponding application view is entered, and imagesof open applications that correspond to at least some of the pluralityof concurrently open applications are displayed in a predefined area.The images of open applications are displayed in a three-dimensionalstack extending backwards on the display. A gesture is detected on arespective image of an open application in the three-dimensional stack.In response to detecting the gesture on the respective image of the openapplication, a respective application view is displayed on thetouch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in the pluralityof concurrently open applications, the three-dimensional stack of imagesof open applications ceases to be displayed, and the application viewselection mode is exited. The respective application view is displayedwithout concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer readable storage mediumhas stored therein instructions which when executed by a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive display, cause the device to display afirst application view on the touch-sensitive display that correspondsto a first application in a plurality of concurrently open applications.The first application view is displayed without concurrently displayingan application view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The instructions also cause the deviceto detect a first input, and in response to detecting the first input,enter an application view selection mode for selecting one of theconcurrently open applications for display in a correspondingapplication view, and display in a predefined area images of openapplications that correspond to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The images of open applications aredisplayed in a three-dimensional stack extending backwards on thedisplay. The instructions furthermore cause the device to detect agesture on a respective image of an open application in thethree-dimensional stack, and in response to detecting the gesture on therespective image of the open application, display a respectiveapplication view on the touch-sensitive display for a correspondingapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications, cease todisplay the three-dimensional stack of images of open applications, andexit the application view selection mode. The respective applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying an application viewfor any other application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, and means for displaying a first applicationview on the touch-sensitive display that corresponds to a firstapplication in a plurality of concurrently open applications. The firstapplication view is displayed without concurrently displaying anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The multifunction device also includesmeans for detecting a first input, and means, responsive to detectingthe first input, including: means for entering an application viewselection mode for selecting one of the concurrently open applicationsfor display in a corresponding application view, and means fordisplaying in a predefined area images of open applications thatcorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications. The images of open applications are displayed in athree-dimensional stack extending backwards on the display. Themultifunction device furthermore includes means for detecting a gestureon a respective image of an open application in the three-dimensionalstack, and means, responsive to detecting the gesture on the respectiveimage of the open application, including: means for displaying arespective application view on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, means for ceasing to display the three-dimensional stackof images of open applications, and means for exiting the applicationview selection mode. The respective application view is displayedwithout concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, an information processing apparatusfor use in a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive displayincludes means for displaying a first application view on thetouch-sensitive display that corresponds to a first application in aplurality of concurrently open applications. The first application viewis displayed without concurrently displaying an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.The information processing apparatus also includes means for detecting afirst input, and means, responsive to detecting the first input,including: means for entering an application view selection mode forselecting one of the concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view, and means for displaying in a predefinedarea images of open applications that correspond to at least some of theplurality of concurrently open applications. The images of openapplications are displayed in a three-dimensional stack extendingbackwards on the display. The information processing apparatusfurthermore includes means for detecting a gesture on a respective imageof an open application in the three-dimensional stack, and means,responsive to detecting the gesture on the respective image of the openapplication, including: means for displaying a respective applicationview on the touch-sensitive display for a corresponding application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications, means for ceasing todisplay the three-dimensional stack of images of open applications, andmeans for exiting the application view selection mode. The respectiveapplication view is displayed without concurrently displaying anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display. The method includesdisplaying a first application view at a first size on thetouch-sensitive display. The first application view corresponds to afirst application in a plurality of concurrently open applications, andthe first application view is displayed without concurrently displayingat the first size an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications. The method also includesdetecting a first input, and in response to detecting the first input,entering an application view selection mode for selecting one of theconcurrently open applications for display in a correspondingapplication view, and displaying images of open applications in apredefined area. Each image is displayed at a second size that issmaller than the first size, and the images correspond to at least someof the plurality of concurrently open applications. The method furtherincludes detecting a gesture on a respective image of an openapplication in the predefined area, and in response to detecting thegesture on the respective image, displaying a respective applicationview at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, ceasing to display the images in the predefined area, andexiting the application view selection mode. The respective applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, one or more processors, memory, and one or moreprograms. The one or more programs are stored in the memory andconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or moreprograms include instructions for displaying a first application view ata first size on the touch-sensitive display. The first application viewcorresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently openapplications, and the first application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying at the first size an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.The one or more programs also include instructions for detecting a firstinput, and in response to detecting the first input, entering anapplication view selection mode for selecting one of the concurrentlyopen applications for display in a corresponding application view, anddisplaying images of open applications in a predefined area. Each imageis displayed at a second size that is smaller than the first size, andthe images correspond to at least some of the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications. The one or more programs furthermore includeinstructions for detecting a gesture on a respective image of an openapplication in the predefined area, and in response to detecting thegesture on the respective image, displaying a respective applicationview at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, ceasing to display the images in the predefined area, andexiting the application view selection mode. The respective applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a graphical user interface on amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display, a memory, and oneor more processors to execute one or more programs stored in the memoryincludes a first application view at a first size on the touch-sensitivedisplay. The first application view corresponds to a first applicationin a plurality of concurrently open applications, and the firstapplication view is displayed without concurrently displaying at thefirst size an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications. A first input is detected.In response to detecting the first input, an application view selectionmode for selecting one of the concurrently open applications for displayin a corresponding application view is entered, and images of openapplications are displayed in a predefined area. Each image is displayedat a second size that is smaller than the first size, and the imagescorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications. A gesture is detected on a respective image of an openapplication in the predefined area. In response to detecting the gestureon the respective image, a respective application view is displayed atthe first size on the touch-sensitive display for a correspondingapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications, theimages in the predefined area cease to display, and the application viewselection mode is exited. The respective application view is displayedwithout concurrently displaying at the first size an application viewfor any other application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer readable storage mediumhas stored therein instructions which when executed by a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive display, cause the device to display afirst application view at a first size on the touch-sensitive display.The first application view corresponds to a first application in aplurality of concurrently open applications, and the first applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The instructions also cause the deviceto detect a first input, and in response to detecting the first input,enter an application view selection mode for selecting one of theconcurrently open applications for display in a correspondingapplication view, and display images of open applications in apredefined area. Each image is displayed at a second size that issmaller than the first size, and the images correspond to at least someof the plurality of concurrently open applications. The instructionsfurthermore cause the device to detect a gesture on a respective imageof an open application in the predefined area, and in response todetecting the gesture on the respective image, display a respectiveapplication view at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, cease to display the images in the predefined area, andexit the application view selection mode. The respective applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, and means for displaying a first applicationview at a first size on the touch-sensitive display. The firstapplication view corresponds to a first application in a plurality ofconcurrently open applications, and the first application view isdisplayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The multifunction device also includesmeans for detecting a first input, and means, responsive to detectingthe first input, including: means for entering an application viewselection mode for selecting one of the concurrently open applicationsfor display in a corresponding application view, and means fordisplaying in a predefined area images of open applications. Each imageis displayed at a second size that is smaller than the first size, andthe images correspond to at least some of the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications. The multifunction device furthermore includes meansfor detecting a gesture on a respective image of an open application inthe predefined area, and means, responsive to detecting the gesture onthe respective image, including: means for displaying a respectiveapplication view at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, means for ceasing to display the images in the predefinedarea, and means for exiting the application view selection mode. Therespective application view is displayed without concurrently displayingat the first size an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, an information processing apparatusfor use in a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive displayincludes means for displaying a first application view at a first sizeon the touch-sensitive display. The first application view correspondsto a first application in a plurality of concurrently open applications,and the first application view is displayed without concurrentlydisplaying at the first size an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications. Theinformation processing apparatus also includes means for detecting afirst input, and means, responsive to detecting the first input,including: means for entering an application view selection mode forselecting one of the concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view, and means for displaying in a predefinedarea images of open applications. Each image is displayed at a secondsize that is smaller than the first size, and the images correspond toat least some of the plurality of concurrently open applications. Theinformation processing apparatus furthermore includes means fordetecting a gesture on a respective image of an open application in thepredefined area, and means, responsive to detecting the gesture on therespective image, including: means for displaying a respectiveapplication view at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, means for ceasing to display the images in the predefinedarea, and means for exiting the application view selection mode. Therespective application view is displayed without concurrently displayingat the first size an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display. The method includesdisplaying a first application view at a first size the touch-sensitivedisplay. The first application view corresponds to a first applicationin a plurality of concurrently open applications, and the firstapplication view is displayed without concurrently displaying at thefirst size an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications. The method also includesconcurrently displaying in a predefined area images of openapplications. Each image is displayed at a second size that is smallerthan the first size, and the images correspond to at least some of theplurality of concurrently open applications. The method furthermoreincludes detecting a gesture on a respective image of an openapplication in the predefined area, and in response to detecting thegesture on the respective image, displaying a respective applicationview at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications. The respective application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying at the first size an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, one or more processors, memory, and one or moreprograms. The one or more programs are stored in the memory andconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or moreprograms include instructions for displaying a first application view ata first size on the touch-sensitive display. The first application viewcorresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently openapplications, and the first application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying at the first size an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.The one or more programs also include instructions for concurrentlydisplaying in a predefined area images of open applications. Each imageis displayed at a second size that is smaller than the first size, andthe images correspond to at least some of the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications. The one or more programs furthermore includeinstructions for detecting a gesture on a respective image of an openapplication in the predefined area, and in response to detecting thegesture on the respective image, displaying a respective applicationview at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications. The respective application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying at the first size an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a graphical user interface on amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display, a memory, and oneor more processors to execute one or more programs stored in the memoryincludes a first application view at a first size on the touch-sensitivedisplay. The first application view corresponds to a first applicationin a plurality of concurrently open applications, and the firstapplication view is displayed without concurrently displaying at thefirst size an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications. The graphical userinterface also includes concurrent display of images of openapplications in a predefined area. Each image is displayed at a secondsize that is smaller than the first size, and the images correspond toat least some of the plurality of concurrently open applications. Agesture is detected on a respective image of an open application in thepredefined area. In response to detecting the gesture on the respectiveimage, a respective application view is displayed at the first size onthe touch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in theplurality of concurrently open applications. The respective applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer readable storage mediumhas stored therein instructions which when executed by a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive display, cause the device to display afirst application view at a first size on the touch-sensitive display.The first application view corresponds to a first application in aplurality of concurrently open applications, and the first applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The instructions also cause the deviceto concurrently display images of open applications in a predefinedarea. Each image is displayed at a second size that is smaller than thefirst size, and the images correspond to at least some of the pluralityof concurrently open applications. The instructions furthermore causethe device to detect a gesture on a respective image of an openapplication in the predefined area, and in response to detecting thegesture on the respective image, display a respective application viewat the first size on the touch-sensitive display for a correspondingapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications. Therespective application view is displayed without concurrently displayingat the first size an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display and means for displaying a first applicationview at a first size on the touch-sensitive display. The firstapplication view corresponds to a first application in a plurality ofconcurrently open applications, and the first application view isdisplayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The multifunction device also includesmeans for concurrently displaying in a predefined area images of openapplications. Each image is displayed at a second size that is smallerthan the first size, and the images correspond to at least some of theplurality of concurrently open applications. The multifunction devicefurthermore includes means for detecting a gesture on a respective imageof an open application in the predefined area, and means, responsive todetecting the gesture on the respective image, for displaying arespective application view at the first size on the touch-sensitivedisplay for a corresponding application in the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications. The respective application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying at the first size an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, an information processing apparatusfor use in a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive displayincludes means for displaying a first application view at a first sizeon the touch-sensitive display. The first application view correspondsto a first application in a plurality of concurrently open applications,and the first application view is displayed without concurrentlydisplaying at the first size an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications. Theinformation processing apparatus also includes means for concurrentlydisplaying in a predefined area images of open applications. Each imageis displayed at a second size that is smaller than the first size, andthe images correspond to at least some of the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications. The information processing apparatus furthermoreincludes means for detecting a gesture on a respective image of an openapplication in the predefined area, and means, responsive to detectingthe gesture on the respective image, for displaying a respectiveapplication view at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications. The respective application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying at the first size an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display. The method includesperforming the following actions, while in an application view selectionmode for selecting one of a plurality of concurrently open applicationsfor display in a corresponding application view. The method includesdisplaying in a predefined area an initial group of open applicationicons that correspond to at least some of the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications, detecting a gesture in the predefined area, and inresponse to detecting the gesture in the predefined area, performing oneof the following actions. When the gesture is a first scroll gesture ina first direction, the method includes scrolling to display other openapplication icons in the plurality of concurrently open applicationicons in the predefined area. When the gesture is a second scrollgesture in a second direction opposite the first direction, the methodincludes scrolling to display settings icons in the predefined area.When the gesture is a first gesture on a respective open applicationicon, the method includes displaying a respective application view onthe touch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in theplurality of concurrently open applications, ceasing to display openapplication icons in the predefined area, and exiting the applicationview selection mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, one or more processors, memory, and one or moreprograms. The one or more programs are stored in the memory andconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or moreprograms include instructions for performing the following actions,while in an application view selection mode for selecting one of aplurality of concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view. The one or more programs includeinstructions for displaying in a predefined area an initial group ofopen application icons that correspond to at least some of the pluralityof concurrently open applications, detecting a gesture in the predefinedarea, and in response to detecting the gesture in the predefined area,performing one of the following actions. The one or more programsinclude instructions for, when the gesture is a first scroll gesture ina first direction, scrolling to display other open application icons inthe plurality of concurrently open application icons in the predefinedarea. The one or more programs include instructions for, when thegesture is a second scroll gesture in a second direction opposite thefirst direction, scrolling to display settings icons in the predefinedarea. The one or more programs include instructions for, when thegesture is a first gesture on a respective open application icon,displaying a respective application view on the touch-sensitive displayfor a corresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, ceasing to display open application icons in thepredefined area, and exiting the application view selection mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, a graphical user interface on amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display, a memory, and oneor more processors to execute one or more programs stored in the memory,displayed while in an application view selection mode for selecting oneof a plurality of concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view, includes in a predefined area, aninitial group of open application icons that correspond to at least someof the plurality of concurrently open applications. A gesture isdetected in the predefined area. In response to detecting the gesture inthe predefined area, one of the following actions is performed. When thegesture is a first scroll gesture in a first direction, the at leastsome of the plurality of concurrently open applications are scrolled todisplay other open application icons in the plurality of concurrentlyopen application icons in the predefined area. When the gesture is asecond scroll gesture in a second direction opposite the firstdirection, the at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications are scrolled to display settings icons in the predefinedarea. When the gesture is a first gesture on a respective openapplication icon, a respective application view is displayed on thetouch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in the pluralityof concurrently open applications, open application icons cease to bedisplayed in the predefined area, and the application view selectionmode is exited.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer readable storage mediumhas stored therein instructions which when executed by a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive display, cause the device to perform thefollowing actions while in an application view selection mode forselecting one of a plurality of concurrently open applications fordisplay in a corresponding application view. The instructions cause thedevice to display in a predefined area an initial group of openapplication icons that correspond to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications, detect a gesture in the predefined area,and in response to detecting the gesture in the predefined area, performone of the following actions. The instructions cause the device to, whenthe gesture is a first scroll gesture in a first direction, scroll todisplay other open application icons in the plurality of concurrentlyopen application icons in the predefined area. The instructions causethe device to, when the gesture is a second scroll gesture in a seconddirection opposite the first direction, scroll to display settings iconsin the predefined area. The instructions cause the device to, when thegesture is a first gesture on a respective open application icon,display a respective application view on the touch-sensitive display fora corresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, cease to display open application icons in the predefinedarea, and exit the application view selection mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes: atouch-sensitive display and means, enabled while in an application viewselection mode for selecting one of a plurality of concurrently openapplications for display in a corresponding application view, including:means for displaying in a predefined area an initial group of openapplication icons that correspond to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications, means for detecting a gesture in thepredefined area, and means responsive to detecting the gesture in thepredefined area. The means responsive to detecting the gesture in thepredefined area include: means, enabled when the gesture is a firstscroll gesture in a first direction, for scrolling to display other openapplication icons in the plurality of concurrently open applicationicons in the predefined area, means, enabled when the gesture is asecond scroll gesture in a second direction opposite the firstdirection, for scrolling to display settings icons in the predefinedarea, and means enabled when the gesture is a first gesture on arespective open application icon. The means, enabled when the gesture isa first gesture on a respective open application icon, include: meansfor displaying a respective application view on the touch-sensitivedisplay for a corresponding application in the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications, means for ceasing to display open application iconsin the predefined area, and means for exiting the application viewselection mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, an information processing apparatusfor use in a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive displayincludes means, enabled while in an application view selection mode forselecting one of a plurality of concurrently open applications fordisplay in a corresponding application view, including: means fordisplaying in a predefined area an initial group of open applicationicons that correspond to at least some of the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications, means for detecting a gesture in the predefined area,and means responsive to detecting the gesture in the predefined area.The means responsive to detecting the gesture in the predefined areainclude: means, enabled when the gesture is a first scroll gesture in afirst direction, for scrolling to display other open application iconsin the plurality of concurrently open application icons in thepredefined area, means, enabled when the gesture is a second scrollgesture in a second direction opposite the first direction, forscrolling to display settings icons in the predefined area, and meansenabled when the gesture is a first gesture on a respective openapplication icon. The means, enabled when the gesture is a first gestureon a respective open application icon, include: means for displaying arespective application view on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, means for ceasing to display open application icons in thepredefined area, and means for exiting the application view selectionmode.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display. The method includesdisplaying a first application view at a first size in a firstapplication. The first application view includes a user selectableobject associated with a second application that is distinct from thefirst application. The method also includes detecting a first gesture ata location that corresponds to the user selectable object, and inresponse to detecting the first gesture, ceasing to display the firstapplication view, and displaying a second application view in the secondapplication. The method furthermore includes, while in the secondapplication, detecting an input, and in response to detecting the input,entering an application view selection mode for selecting one of aplurality of concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view, displaying in a first predefined areaimages of open applications, and displaying in a second predefined area,distinct from the first predefined area, a portion of a view withapplication icons for launching applications. The images of openapplications correspond to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications, each image is displayed at a second sizethat is smaller than the first size, and the images include an image ofthe first application view and an image of a view in the secondapplication. The method includes while in the application view selectionmode, detecting a second gesture, and in response to detecting thesecond gesture, performing one of the following actions. The methodincludes, when the second gesture is at a location corresponding to theimage of the first application view, displaying the first applicationview at the first size in the first application, ceasing to display theimages in the first predefined area, and exiting the application viewselection mode. The method includes, when the second gesture is at alocation corresponding to the second predefined area, displaying theview with application icons for launching applications, ceasing todisplay the images in the first predefined area, and exiting theapplication view selection mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, one or more processors, memory, and one or moreprograms. The one or more programs are stored in the memory andconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or moreprograms include instructions for displaying a first application view ata first size in a first application. The first application viewincluding a user selectable object associated with a second applicationthat is distinct from the first application. The one or more programsalso include instructions for detecting a first gesture at a locationthat corresponds to the user selectable object, and in response todetecting the first gesture, ceasing to display the first applicationview, and displaying a second application view in the secondapplication. The one or more programs furthermore include instructionsfor, while in the second application, detecting an input, and inresponse to detecting the input, entering an application view selectionmode for selecting one of a plurality of concurrently open applicationsfor display in a corresponding application view, displaying in a firstpredefined area images of open applications, and displaying in a secondpredefined area that is distinct from the first predefined area, aportion of a view with application icons for launching applications. Theimages of open applications correspond to at least some of the pluralityof concurrently open applications, each image is displayed at a secondsize that is smaller than the first size, and the images include animage of the first application view and an image of a view in the secondapplication. The one or more programs include instructions for, while inthe application view selection mode, detecting a second gesture, and inresponse to detecting the second gesture, performing one of thefollowing actions. The one or more programs include instructions for,when the second gesture is at a location corresponding to the image ofthe first application view, displaying the first application view at thefirst size in the first application, ceasing to display the images inthe first predefined area, and exiting the application view selectionmode. The one or more programs include instructions for, when the secondgesture is at a location corresponding to the second predefined area,displaying the view with application icons for launching applications,ceasing to display the images in the first predefined area, and exitingthe application view selection mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, a graphical user interface on amultifunction device with a touch-sensitive display, a memory, and oneor more processors to execute one or more programs stored in the memoryincludes a first application view at a first size in a firstapplication. The first application view includes a user selectableobject associated with a second application that is distinct from thefirst application. A first gesture is detected at a location thatcorresponds to the user selectable object. In response to detecting thefirst gesture, the first application view ceases to be displayed, and asecond application view is displayed in the second application. While inthe second application, an input is detected, and in response todetecting the input, an application view selection mode for selectingone of a plurality of concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view is entered, images of open applicationsare displayed in a first predefined area, and a portion of a view withapplication icons for launching applications is displayed in a secondpredefined area that is distinct from the first predefined area. Theimages of open applications correspond to at least some of the pluralityof concurrently open applications, each image is displayed at a secondsize that is smaller than the first size, and the images include animage of the first application view and an image of a view in the secondapplication. While in the application view selection mode, a secondgesture is detected, and in response to detecting the second gesture,one of the following actions is performed. When the second gesture is ata location corresponding to the image of the first application view, thefirst application view is displayed at the first size in the firstapplication, the images in the first predefined area cease to displayed,and the application view selection mode is exited. When the secondgesture is at a location corresponding to the second predefined area,the view with application icons for launching applications is displayed,the images in the first predefined area cease to be displayed, and theapplication view selection mode is exited.

In accordance with some embodiments, a computer readable storage mediumhas stored therein instructions which when executed by a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive display, cause the device to display afirst application view at a first size in a first application. The firstapplication view including a user selectable object associated with asecond application that is distinct from the first application. Theinstructions also cause the device to detect a first gesture at alocation that corresponds to the user selectable object, and in responseto detecting the first gesture, cease to display the first applicationview, and display a second application view in the second application.The instructions furthermore cause the device to, while in the secondapplication, detect an input, and in response to detecting the input,enter an application view selection mode for selecting one of aplurality of concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view, display in a first predefined areaimages of open applications, and display in a second predefined areathat is distinct from the first predefined area, a portion of a viewwith application icons for launching applications. The images of openapplications correspond to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications, each image is displayed at a second sizethat is smaller than the first size, and the images include an image ofthe first application view and an image of a view in the secondapplication. The instructions furthermore cause the device to, while inthe application view selection mode, detect a second gesture, and inresponse to detecting the second gesture, perform one of the followingactions. The instructions cause the device to, when the second gestureis at a location corresponding to the image of the first applicationview, display the first application view at the first size in the firstapplication, cease to display the images in the first predefined area,and exit the application view selection mode. The instructions alsocause the device to, when the second gesture is at a locationcorresponding to the second predefined area, display the view withapplication icons for launching applications, cease to display theimages in the first predefined area, and exit the application viewselection mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, a multifunction device includes atouch-sensitive display, and means for displaying a first applicationview at a first size in a first application. The first application viewincludes a user selectable object associated with a second applicationthat is distinct from the first application. The multifunction deviceincludes means for detecting a first gesture at a location thatcorresponds to the user selectable object, and means, responsive todetecting the first gesture, including: means for ceasing to display thefirst application view, and means for displaying a second applicationview in the second application. The multifunction device also includesmeans, enabled while in the second application, for detecting an input,and means, responsive to detecting the input, including: means forentering an application view selection mode for selecting one of aplurality of concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view, means for displaying in a firstpredefined area images of open applications, and means for displaying ina second predefined area that is distinct from the first predefinedarea, a portion of a view with application icons for launchingapplications. The images of open applications correspond to at leastsome of the plurality of concurrently open applications, each image isdisplayed at a second size that is smaller than the first size, and theimages include an image of the first application view and an image of aview in the second application. The multifunction device furthermoreincludes means, enabled while in the application view selection mode,for detecting a second gesture, and means, responsive to detecting thesecond gesture. The means, responsive to detecting the second gesture,include: means, enabled when the second gesture is at a locationcorresponding to the image of the first application view, including:means for displaying the first application view at the first size in thefirst application, means for ceasing to display the images in the firstpredefined area, and means for exiting the application view selectionmode. The means, responsive to detecting the second gesture, include:means, enabled when the second gesture is at a location corresponding tothe second predefined area, including: means for displaying the viewwith application icons for launching applications, means for ceasing todisplay the images in the first predefined area, and means for exitingthe application view selection mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, an information processing apparatusfor use in a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive displayincludes means for displaying a first application view at a first sizein a first application. The first application view includes a userselectable object associated with a second application that is distinctfrom the first application. The information processing apparatusincludes means for detecting a first gesture at a location thatcorresponds to the user selectable object, and means, responsive todetecting the first gesture, including: means for ceasing to display thefirst application view, and means for displaying a second applicationview in the second application. The information processing apparatusalso includes means, enabled while in the second application, fordetecting an input, and means, responsive to detecting the input. Themeans, responsive to detecting the input, include means for entering anapplication view selection mode for selecting one of a plurality ofconcurrently open applications for display in a correspondingapplication view, means for displaying in a first predefined area imagesof open applications, and means for displaying in a second predefinedarea that is distinct from the first predefined area, a portion of aview with application icons for launching applications. The images ofopen applications correspond to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications, each image is displayed at a second sizethat is smaller than the first size, and the images include an image ofthe first application view and an image of a view in the secondapplication. The information processing apparatus furthermore includesmeans, enabled while in the application view selection mode, fordetecting a second gesture, and means, responsive to detecting thesecond gesture. The means, responsive to detecting the second gesture,include means, enabled when the second gesture is at a locationcorresponding to the image of the first application view, including:means for displaying the first application view at the first size in thefirst application, means for ceasing to display the images in the firstpredefined area, and means for exiting the application view selectionmode. The means, responsive to detecting the second gesture, includemeans, enabled when the second gesture is at a location corresponding tothe second predefined area, including: means for displaying the viewwith application icons for launching applications, means for ceasing todisplay the images in the first predefined area, and means for exitingthe application view selection mode.

Thus, multifunction devices with touch-sensitive displays are providedwith faster, more efficient methods and interfaces for managingconcurrently open software applications, thereby increasing theeffectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction with such devices. Suchmethods and interfaces may complement or replace conventional methodsfor managing concurrently open software applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the aforementioned embodiments of theinvention as well as additional embodiments thereof, reference should bemade to the Description of Embodiments below, in conjunction with thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer tocorresponding parts throughout the figures.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams illustrating portable multifunctiondevices with touch-sensitive displays in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components for eventhandling in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device having a touch screenin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction device with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with someembodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a menu ofapplications on a portable multifunction device in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary user interface for a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the displayin accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5HH illustrate exemplary user interfaces for selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6C are flow diagrams illustrating a method of selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8C are flow diagrams illustrating a method of selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11B are flow diagrams illustrating a method of selecting oneof concurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present inventionmay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks havenot been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspectsof the embodiments.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed asecond contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a firstcontact, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thefirst contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are notthe same contact.

The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description ofthe invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that theterm “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and allpossible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,”“comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon”or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” dependingon the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [astated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upondetermining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [thestated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the statedcondition or event],” depending on the context.

As used herein, the term “resolution” of a display refers to the numberof pixels (also called “pixel counts” or “pixel resolution”) along eachaxis or in each dimension of the display. For example, a display mayhave a resolution of 320×480 pixels. Furthermore, as used herein, theterm “resolution” of a multifunction device refers to the resolution ofa display in the multifunction device. The term “resolution” does notimply any limitations on the size of each pixel or the spacing ofpixels. For example, compared to a first display with a 1024×768-pixelresolution, a second display with a 320×480-pixel resolution has a lowerresolution. However, it should be noted that the physical size of adisplay depends not only on the pixel resolution, but also on many otherfactors, including the pixel size and the spacing of pixels. Therefore,the first display may have the same, smaller, or larger physical size,compared to the second display.

As used herein, the term “video resolution” of a display refers to thedensity of pixels along each axis or in each dimension of the display.The video resolution is often measured in a dots-per-inch (DPI) unit,which counts the number of pixels that can be placed in a line withinthe span of one inch along a respective dimension of the display.

Embodiments of computing devices, user interfaces for such devices, andassociated processes for using such devices are described. In someembodiments, the computing device is a portable communications device,such as a mobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such asPDA and/or music player functions. Exemplary embodiments of portablemultifunction devices include, without limitation, the iPhone®and iPodTouch® devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Other portabledevices, such as laptops or tablet computers with touch-sensitivesurfaces (e.g., touch screen displays and/or touch pads), may also beused. It should also be understood that, in some embodiments, the deviceis not a portable communications device, but is a desktop computer witha touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch screen display and/or a touchpad).

In the discussion that follows, a computing device that includes adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should beunderstood, however, that the computing device may include one or moreother physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, amouse and/or a joystick.

The device supports a variety of applications, such as one or more ofthe following: a drawing application, a presentation application, a wordprocessing application, a website creation application, a disk authoringapplication, a spreadsheet application, a gaming application, atelephone application, a video conferencing application, an e-mailapplication, an instant messaging application, a workout supportapplication, a photo management application, a digital cameraapplication, a digital video camera application, a web browsingapplication, a digital music player application, and/or a digital videoplayer application.

The various applications that may be executed on the device may use atleast one common physical user-interface device, such as thetouch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitivesurface as well as corresponding information displayed on the device maybe adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or withina respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture(such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the device may support thevariety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive andtransparent to the user.

The user interfaces may include one or more soft keyboard embodiments.The soft keyboard embodiments may include standard (QWERTY) and/ornon-standard configurations of symbols on the displayed icons of thekeyboard, such as those described in U.S. patent applications Ser. No.11/459,606, “Keyboards For Portable Electronic Devices,” filed Jul. 24,2006, and Ser. No. 11/459,615, “Touch Screen Keyboards For PortableElectronic Devices,” filed Jul. 24, 2006, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The keyboardembodiments may include a reduced number of icons (or soft keys)relative to the number of keys in existing physical keyboards, such asthat for a typewriter. This may make it easier for users to select oneor more icons in the keyboard, and thus, one or more correspondingsymbols. The keyboard embodiments may be adaptive. For example,displayed icons may be modified in accordance with user actions, such asselecting one or more icons and/or one or more corresponding symbols.One or more applications on the device may utilize common and/ordifferent keyboard embodiments. Thus, the keyboard embodiment used maybe tailored to at least some of the applications. In some embodiments,one or more keyboard embodiments may be tailored to a respective user.For example, one or more keyboard embodiments may be tailored to arespective user based on a word usage history (lexicography, slang,individual usage) of the respective user. Some of the keyboardembodiments may be adjusted to reduce a probability of a user error whenselecting one or more icons, and thus one or more symbols, when usingthe soft keyboard embodiments.

Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices withtouch-sensitive displays. FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagramsillustrating portable multifunction devices 100 with touch-sensitivedisplays 112 in accordance with some embodiments. Touch-sensitivedisplay 112 is sometimes called a “touch screen” for convenience, andmay also be known as or called a touch-sensitive display system. Device100 may include memory 102 (which may include one or more computerreadable storage mediums), memory controller 122, one or more processingunits (CPU's) 120, peripherals interface 118, RF circuitry 108, audiocircuitry 110, speaker 111, microphone 113, input/output (I/O) subsystem106, other input or control devices 116, and external port 124. Device100 may include one or more optical sensors 164. These components maycommunicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines 103.

It should be appreciated that device 100 is only one example of aportable multifunction device, and that device 100 may have more orfewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or mayhave a different configuration or arrangement of the components. Thevarious components shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be implemented inhardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software,including one or more signal processing and/or application specificintegrated circuits.

Memory 102 may include high-speed random access memory and may alsoinclude non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memorydevices. Access to memory 102 by other components of device 100, such asCPU 120 and the peripherals interface 118, may be controlled by memorycontroller 122.

Peripherals interface 118 can be used to couple input and outputperipherals of the device to CPU 120 and memory 102. The one or moreprocessors 120 run or execute various software programs and/or sets ofinstructions stored in memory 102 to perform various functions fordevice 100 and to process data.

In some embodiments, peripherals interface 118, CPU 120, and memorycontroller 122 may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip 104. Insome other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 108 receives and sends RF signals, alsocalled electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108 converts electricalsignals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates withcommunications networks and other communications devices via theelectromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108 may include well-knowncircuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited toan antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner,one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RFcircuitry 108 may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, alsoreferred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wirelessnetwork, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local areanetwork (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and otherdevices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may useany of a plurality of communications standards, protocols andtechnologies, including but not limited to Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speeddownlink packet access (HSDPA), wideband code division multiple access(W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multipleaccess (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a,IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over InternetProtocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail (e.g., Internet messageaccess protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instantmessaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP),Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and PresenceLeveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service(IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitablecommunication protocol, including communication protocols not yetdeveloped as of the filing date of this document.

Audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, and microphone 113 provide an audiointerface between a user and device 100. Audio circuitry 110 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 118, converts the audio data to anelectrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker 111.Speaker 111 converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves.Audio circuitry 110 also receives electrical signals converted bymicrophone 113 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 110 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 118 for processing. Audio data may be retrievedfrom and/or transmitted to memory 102 and/or RF circuitry 108 byperipherals interface 118. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 110 alsoincludes a headset jack (e.g., 212, FIG. 2). The headset jack providesan interface between audio circuitry 110 and removable audioinput/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headsetwith both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input(e.g., a microphone).

I/O subsystem 106 couples input/output peripherals on device 100, suchas touch screen 112 and other input control devices 116, to peripheralsinterface 118. I/O subsystem 106 may include display controller 156 andone or more input controllers 160 for other input or control devices.The one or more input controllers 160 receive/send electrical signalsfrom/to other input or control devices 116. The other input controldevices 116 may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rockerbuttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and soforth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s) 160 may becoupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, infrared port,USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons(e.g., 208, FIG. 2) may include an up/down button for volume control ofspeaker 111 and/or microphone 113. The one or more buttons may include apush button (e.g., 206, FIG. 2). A quick press of the push button maydisengage a lock of touch screen 112 or begin a process that usesgestures on the touch screen to unlock the device, as described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/322,549, “Unlocking a Device byPerforming Gestures on an Unlock Image,” filed Dec. 23, 2005, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A longer press of thepush button (e.g., 206) may turn power to device 100 on or off. The usermay be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons.Touch screen 112 is used to implement virtual or soft buttons and one ormore soft keyboards.

Touch-sensitive display 112 provides an input interface and an outputinterface between the device and a user. Display controller 156 receivesand/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen 112. Touch screen112 displays visual output to the user. The visual output may includegraphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectivelytermed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visualoutput may correspond to user-interface objects.

Touch screen 112 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensorsthat accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact.Touch screen 112 and display controller 156 (along with any associatedmodules and/or sets of instructions in memory 102) detect contact (andany movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen 112 andconverts the detected contact into interaction with user-interfaceobjects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) thatare displayed on touch screen 112. In an exemplary embodiment, a pointof contact between touch screen 112 and the user corresponds to a fingerof the user.

Touch screen 112 may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD(light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emittingdiode) technology, although other display technologies may be used inother embodiments. Touch screen 112 and display controller 156 maydetect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of aplurality of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed,including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, andsurface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensorarrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contactwith touch screen 112. In an exemplary embodiment, projected mutualcapacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in theiPhone® and iPod Touch® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of touch screen 112 may beanalogous to the multi-touch sensitive touchpads described in thefollowing U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,846 (Westerman et al.), U.S. Pat. No.6,570,557 (Westerman et al.), and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,932(Westerman), and/or U.S. Patent Publication 2002/0015024A1, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However,touch screen 112 displays visual output from portable device 100,whereas touch sensitive touchpads do not provide visual output.

A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of touch screen 112 may beas described in the following applications: (1) U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/381,313, “Multipoint Touch Surface Controller,” filed May 2,2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862, “MultipointTouchscreen,” filed May 6, 2004; (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/903,964, “Gestures For Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jul. 30,2004; (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/048,264, “Gestures ForTouch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jan. 31, 2005; (5) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/038,590, “Mode-Based Graphical User InterfacesFor Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jan. 18, 2005; (6) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/228,758, “Virtual Input Device Placement On ATouch Screen User Interface,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; (7) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/228,700, “Operation Of A Computer With A TouchScreen Interface,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; (8) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/228,737, “Activating Virtual Keys Of A Touch-Screen VirtualKeyboard,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; and (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/367,749, “Multi-Functional Hand-Held Device,” filed Mar. 3, 2006. Allof these applications are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

Touch screen 112 may have a video resolution in excess of 100 dpi. Insome embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution ofapproximately 160 dpi. The user may make contact with touch screen 112using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, andso forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to workprimarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be lessprecise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of afinger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translatesthe rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position orcommand for performing the actions desired by the user.

In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 100 mayinclude a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particularfunctions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive areaof the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visualoutput. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separatefrom touch screen 112 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surfaceformed by the touch screen.

In some embodiments, device 100 may include a physical or virtual wheel(e.g., a click wheel) as input control device 116. A user may navigateamong and interact with one or more graphical objects (e.g., icons)displayed in touch screen 112 by rotating the click wheel or by moving apoint of contact with the click wheel (e.g., where the amount ofmovement of the point of contact is measured by its angular displacementwith respect to a center point of the click wheel). The click wheel mayalso be used to select one or more of the displayed icons. For example,the user may press down on at least a portion of the click wheel or anassociated button. User commands and navigation commands provided by theuser via the click wheel may be processed by input controller 160 aswell as one or more of the modules and/or sets of instructions in memory102. For a virtual click wheel, the click wheel and click wheelcontroller may be part of touch screen 112 and display controller 156,respectively. For a virtual click wheel, the click wheel may be eitheran opaque or semitransparent object that appears and disappears on thetouch screen display in response to user interaction with the device. Insome embodiments, a virtual click wheel is displayed on the touch screenof a portable multifunction device and operated by user contact with thetouch screen.

Device 100 also includes power system 162 for powering the variouscomponents. Power system 162 may include a power management system, oneor more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), arecharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converteror inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode(LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

Device 100 may also include one or more optical sensors 164. FIGS. 1Aand 1B show an optical sensor coupled to optical sensor controller 158in I/O subsystem 106. Optical sensor 164 may include charge-coupleddevice (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)phototransistors. Optical sensor 164 receives light from theenvironment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the lightto data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module 143(also called a camera module), optical sensor 164 may capture stillimages or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located onthe back of device 100, opposite touch screen display 112 on the frontof the device, so that the touch screen display may be used as aviewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In someembodiments, an optical sensor is located on the front of the device sothat the user's image may be obtained for videoconferencing while theuser views the other video conference participants on the touch screendisplay. In some embodiments, the position of optical sensor 164 can bechanged by the user (e.g., by rotating the lens and the sensor in thedevice housing) so that a single optical sensor 164 may be used alongwith the touch screen display for both video conferencing and stilland/or video image acquisition.

Device 100 may also include one or more proximity sensors 166. FIGS. 1Aand 1B show proximity sensor 166 coupled to peripherals interface 118.Alternately, proximity sensor 166 may be coupled to input controller 160in I/O subsystem 106. Proximity sensor 166 may perform as described inU.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/241,839, “Proximity Detector InHandheld Device”; Ser. No. 11/240,788, “Proximity Detector In HandheldDevice”; Ser. No. 11/620,702, “Using Ambient Light Sensor To AugmentProximity Sensor Output”; Ser. No. 11/586,862, “Automated Response ToAnd Sensing Of User Activity In Portable Devices”; and Ser. No.11/638,251, “Methods And Systems For Automatic Configuration OfPeripherals,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor turns off anddisables touch screen 112 when the multifunction device is placed nearthe user's ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call).

Device 100 may also include one or more accelerometers 168. FIGS. 1A and1B show accelerometer 168 coupled to peripherals interface 118.Alternately, accelerometer 168 may be coupled to an input controller 160in I/O subsystem 106. Accelerometer 168 may perform as described in U.S.Patent Publication No. 20050190059, “Acceleration-based Theft DetectionSystem for Portable Electronic Devices,” and U.S. Patent Publication No.20060017692, “Methods And Apparatuses For Operating A Portable DeviceBased On An Accelerometer,” both of which are which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety. In some embodiments, information isdisplayed on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscapeview based on an analysis of data received from the one or moreaccelerometers. Device 100 optionally includes, in addition toaccelerometer(s) 168, a magnetometer (not shown) and a GPS (or GLONASSor other global navigation system) receiver (not shown) for obtaininginformation concerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait orlandscape) of device 100.

In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 102include operating system 126, communication module (or set ofinstructions) 128, contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 130,graphics module (or set of instructions) 132, text input module (or setof instructions) 134, Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set ofinstructions) 135, and applications (or sets of instructions) 136.Furthermore, in some embodiments memory 102 stores device/globalinternal state 157, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3. Device/globalinternal state 157 includes one or more of: active application state,indicating which applications, if any, are currently active; displaystate, indicating what applications, views or other information occupyvarious regions of touch screen display 112; sensor state, includinginformation obtained from the device's various sensors and input controldevices 116; and location information concerning the device's locationand/or attitude.

Operating system 126 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, oran embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes various softwarecomponents and/or drivers for controlling and managing general systemtasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, powermanagement, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardwareand software components.

Communication module 128 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 124 and also includes various softwarecomponents for handling data received by RF circuitry 108 and/orexternal port 124. External port 124 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB),FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices orindirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). Insome embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin)connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with the30-pin connector used on iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices.

Contact/motion module 130 may detect contact with touch screen 112 (inconjunction with display controller 156) and other touch sensitivedevices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). Contact/motionmodule 130 includes various software components for performing variousoperations related to detection of contact, such as determining ifcontact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-down event), determiningif there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across thetouch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger-draggingevents), and determining if the contact has ceased (e.g., detecting afinger-up event or a break in contact). Contact/motion module 130receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determiningmovement of the point of contact, which is represented by a series ofcontact data, may include determining speed (magnitude), velocity(magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in magnitudeand/or direction) of the point of contact. These operations may beapplied to single contacts (e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiplesimultaneous contacts (e.g., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). Insome embodiments, contact/motion module 130 and display controller 156detects contact on a touchpad. In some embodiments, contact/motionmodule 130 and controller 160 detects contact on a click wheel.

Contact/motion module 130 may detect a gesture input by a user.Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contactpatterns. Thus, a gesture may be detected by detecting a particularcontact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includesdetecting a finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event at the same position (or substantially the same position) asthe finger-down event (e.g., at the position of an icon). As anotherexample, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive surfaceincludes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting one or morefinger-dragging events, and subsequently followed by detecting afinger-up (lift off) event.

Graphics module 132 includes various known software components forrendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 112 or other display,including components for changing the intensity of graphics that aredisplayed. As used herein, the term “graphics” includes any object thatcan be displayed to a user, including without limitation text, webpages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys),digital images, videos, animations and the like.

In some embodiments, graphics module 132 stores data representinggraphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code.Graphics module 132 receives, from applications etc., one or more codesspecifying graphics to be displayed along with, if necessary, coordinatedata and other graphic property data, and then generates screen imagedata to output to display controller 156.

Text input module 134, which may be a component of graphics module 132,provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications (e.g.,contacts 137, e-mail 140, IM 141, browser 147, and any other applicationthat needs text input).

GPS module 135 determines the location of the device and provides thisinformation for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone 138 foruse in location-based dialing, to camera 143 as picture/video metadata,and to applications that provide location-based services such as weatherwidgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets).

Applications 136 may include the following modules (or sets ofinstructions), or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   contacts module 137 (sometimes called an address book or contact        list);    -   telephone module 138;    -   video conferencing module 139;    -   e-mail client module 140;    -   instant messaging (IM) module 141;    -   workout support module 142;    -   camera module 143 for still and/or video images;    -   image management module 144;    -   video player module 145;    -   music player module 146;    -   browser module 147;    -   calendar module 148;    -   widget modules 149, which may include one or more of: weather        widget 149-1, stocks widget 149-2, calculator widget 149-3,        alarm clock widget 149-4, dictionary widget 149-5, and other        widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created widgets        149-6;    -   widget creator module 150 for making user-created widgets 149-6;    -   search module 151;    -   video and music player module 152, which merges video player        module 145 and music player module 146;    -   notes module 153;    -   map module 154; and/or    -   online video module 155.

Examples of other applications 136 that may be stored in memory 102include other word processing applications, other image editingapplications, drawing applications, presentation applications,JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voicerecognition, and voice replication.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, contactmodule 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, contactsmodule 137 may be used to manage an address book or contact list (e.g.,stored in application internal state 192 of contacts module 137 inmemory 102 or memory 370), including: adding name(s) to the addressbook; deleting name(s) from the address book; associating telephonenumber(s), e-mail address(es), physical address(es) or other informationwith a name; associating an image with a name; categorizing and sortingnames; providing telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to initiateand/or facilitate communications by telephone 138, video conference 139,e-mail 140, or IM 141; and so forth.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111,microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact module130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, telephone module138 may be used to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to atelephone number, access one or more telephone numbers in address book137, modify a telephone number that has been entered, dial a respectivetelephone number, conduct a conversation and disconnect or hang up whenthe conversation is completed. As noted above, the wirelesscommunication may use any of a plurality of communications standards,protocols and technologies.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111,microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller 156, optical sensor164, optical sensor controller 158, contact module 130, graphics module132, text input module 134, contact list 137, and telephone module 138,videoconferencing module 139 includes executable instructions toinitiate, conduct, and terminate a video conference between a user andone or more other participants in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text inputmodule 134, e-mail client module 140 includes executable instructions tocreate, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response to userinstructions. In conjunction with image management module 144, e-mailclient module 140 makes it very easy to create and send e-mails withstill or video images taken with camera module 143.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text inputmodule 134, the instant messaging module 141 includes executableinstructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to aninstant message, to modify previously entered characters, to transmit arespective instant message (for example, using a Short Message Service(SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol for telephony-basedinstant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-basedinstant messages), to receive instant messages and to view receivedinstant messages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or receivedinstant messages may include graphics, photos, audio files, video filesand/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or an EnhancedMessaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging” refers toboth telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) andInternet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, orIMPS).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, displaycontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text inputmodule 134, GPS module 135, map module 154, and music player module 146,workout support module 142 includes executable instructions to createworkouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burning goals);communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receive workoutsensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; select andplay music for a workout; and display, store and transmit workout data.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, opticalsensor(s) 164, optical sensor controller 158, contact module 130,graphics module 132, and image management module 144, camera module 143includes executable instructions to capture still images or video(including a video stream) and store them into memory 102, modifycharacteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image orvideo from memory 102.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, contactmodule 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, and cameramodule 143, image management module 144 includes executable instructionsto arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate, label, delete,present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), and store still and/orvideo images.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, contactmodule 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry 110, and speaker 111,video player module 145 includes executable instructions to display,present or otherwise play back videos (e.g., on touch screen 112 or onan external, connected display via external port 124).

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display system controller 156,contact module 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry 110, speaker111, RF circuitry 108, and browser module 147, music player module 146includes executable instructions that allow the user to download andplay back recorded music and other sound files stored in one or morefile formats, such as MP3 or AAC files. In some embodiments, device 100may include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod(trademark of Apple Inc.).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display systemcontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text inputmodule 134, browser module 147 includes executable instructions tobrowse the Internet in accordance with user instructions, includingsearching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portionsthereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display systemcontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text inputmodule 134, e-mail client module 140, and browser module 147, calendarmodule 148 includes executable instructions to create, display, modify,and store calendars and data associated with calendars (e.g., calendarentries, to do lists, etc.) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display systemcontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text inputmodule 134, and browser module 147, widget modules 149 aremini-applications that may be downloaded and used by a user (e.g.,weather widget 149-1, stocks widget 149-2, calculator widget 149-3,alarm clock widget 149-4, and dictionary widget 149-5) or created by theuser (e.g., user-created widget 149-6). In some embodiments, a widgetincludes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file, a CSS (CascadingStyle Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file. In some embodiments, a widgetincludes an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file and a JavaScript file(e.g., Yahoo! Widgets).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display systemcontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text inputmodule 134, and browser module 147, the widget creator module 150 may beused by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning a user-specified portionof a web page into a widget).

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display system controller 156,contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134,search module 151 includes executable instructions to search for text,music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory 102 that matchone or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specified searchterms) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, contactmodule 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, notes module153 includes executable instructions to create and manage notes, to dolists, and the like in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display systemcontroller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text inputmodule 134, GPS module 135, and browser module 147, map module 154 maybe used to receive, display, modify, and store maps and data associatedwith maps (e.g., driving directions; data on stores and other points ofinterest at or near a particular location; and other location-baseddata) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch screen 112, display system controller 156,contact module 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry 110, speaker111, RF circuitry 108, text input module 134, e-mail client module 140,and browser module 147, online video module 155 includes instructionsthat allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., by streamingand/or download), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or on anexternal, connected display via external port 124), send an e-mail witha link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage online videosin one or more file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments, instantmessaging module 141, rather than e-mail client module 140, is used tosend a link to a particular online video. Additional description of theonline video application can be found in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/936,562, “Portable Multifunction Device, Method, andGraphical User Interface for Playing Online Videos,” filed Jun. 20,2007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/968,067, “PortableMultifunction Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for PlayingOnline Videos,” filed Dec. 31, 2007, the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to aset of executable instructions for performing one or more functionsdescribed above and the methods described in this application (e.g., thecomputer-implemented methods and other information processing methodsdescribed herein). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need notbe implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, andthus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwisere-arranged in various embodiments. For example, video player module 145may be combined with music player module 146 into a single module (e.g.,video and music player module 152, FIG. 1B). In some embodiments, memory102 may store a subset of the modules and data structures identifiedabove. Furthermore, memory 102 may store additional modules and datastructures not described above.

In some embodiments, device 100 is a device where operation of apredefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/ora touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device100, the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons,dials, and the like) on device 100 may be reduced.

The predefined set of functions that may be performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad include navigation between userinterfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by the user,navigates device 100 to a main, home, or root menu from any userinterface that may be displayed on device 100. In such embodiments, thetouchpad may be referred to as a “menu button.” In some otherembodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or otherphysical input control device instead of a touchpad.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components for eventhandling in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,memory 102 (in FIGS. 1A and 1B) or 370 (FIG. 3) includes event sorter170 (e.g., in operating system 126) and a respective application 136-1(e.g., any of the aforementioned applications 137-151, 155, 380-390).

Event sorter 170 receives event information and determines theapplication 136-1 and application view 191 of application 136-1 to whichto deliver the event information. Event sorter 170 includes eventmonitor 171 and event dispatcher module 174. In some embodiments,application 136-1 includes application internal state 192, whichindicates the current application view(s) displayed on touch sensitivedisplay 112 when the application is active or executing. In someembodiments, device/global internal state 157 is used by event sorter170 to determine which application(s) is(are) currently active, andapplication internal state 192 is used by event sorter 170 to determineapplication views 191 to which to deliver event information.

In some embodiments, application internal state 192 includes additionalinformation, such as one or more of: resume information to be used whenapplication 136-1 resumes execution, user interface state informationthat indicates information being displayed or that is ready for displayby application 136-1, a state queue for enabling the user to go back toa prior state or view of application 136-1, and a redo/undo queue ofprevious actions taken by the user.

Event monitor 171 receives event information from peripherals interface118. Event information includes information about a sub-event (e.g., auser touch on touch-sensitive display 112, as part of a multi-touchgesture). Peripherals interface 118 transmits information it receivesfrom I/O subsystem 106 or a sensor, such as proximity sensor 166,accelerometer(s) 168, and/or microphone 113 (through audio circuitry110). Information that peripherals interface 118 receives from I/Osubsystem 106 includes information from touch-sensitive display 112 or atouch-sensitive surface.

In some embodiments, event monitor 171 sends requests to the peripheralsinterface 118 at predetermined intervals. In response, peripheralsinterface 118 transmits event information. In other embodiments,peripheral interface 118 transmits event information only when there isa significant event (e.g., receiving an input above a predeterminednoise threshold and/or for more than a predetermined duration).

In some embodiments, event sorter 170 also includes a hit viewdetermination module 172 and/or an active event recognizer determinationmodule 173.

Hit view determination module 172 provides software procedures fordetermining where a sub-event has taken place within one or more views,when touch sensitive display 112 displays more than one view. Views aremade up of controls and other elements that a user can see on thedisplay.

Another aspect of the user interface associated with an application is aset of views, sometimes herein called application views or userinterface windows, in which information is displayed and touch-basedgestures occur. The application views (of a respective application) inwhich a touch is detected may correspond to programmatic levels within aprogrammatic or view hierarchy of the application. For example, thelowest level view in which a touch is detected may be called the hitview, and the set of events that are recognized as proper inputs may bedetermined based, at least in part, on the hit view of the initial touchthat begins a touch-based gesture.

Hit view determination module 172 receives information related tosub-events of a touch-based gesture. When an application has multipleviews organized in a hierarchy, hit view determination module 172identifies a hit view as the lowest view in the hierarchy which shouldhandle the sub-event. In most circumstances, the hit view is the lowestlevel view in which an initiating sub-event occurs (i.e., the firstsub-event in the sequence of sub-events that form an event or potentialevent). Once the hit view is identified by the hit view determinationmodule, the hit view typically receives all sub-events related to thesame touch or input source for which it was identified as the hit view.

Active event recognizer determination module 173 determines which viewor views within a view hierarchy should receive a particular sequence ofsub-events. In some embodiments, active event recognizer determinationmodule 173 determines that only the hit view should receive a particularsequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, active event recognizerdetermination module 173 determines that all views that include thephysical location of a sub-event are actively involved views, andtherefore determines that all actively involved views should receive aparticular sequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, even if touchsub-events were entirely confined to the area associated with oneparticular view, views higher in the hierarchy would still remain asactively involved views.

Event dispatcher module 174 dispatches the event information to an eventrecognizer (e.g., event recognizer 180). In embodiments including activeevent recognizer determination module 173, event dispatcher module 174delivers the event information to an event recognizer determined byactive event recognizer determination module 173. In some embodiments,event dispatcher module 174 stores in an event queue the eventinformation, which is retrieved by a respective event receiver module182.

In some embodiments, operating system 126 includes event sorter 170.Alternatively, application 136-1 includes event sorter 170. In yet otherembodiments, event sorter 170 is a stand-alone module, or a part ofanother module stored in memory 102, such as contact/motion module 130.

In some embodiments, application 136-1 includes a plurality of eventhandlers 190 and one or more application views 191, each of whichincludes instructions for handling touch events that occur within arespective view of the application's user interface. Each applicationview 191 of the application 136-1 includes one or more event recognizers180. Typically, a respective application view 191 includes a pluralityof event recognizers 180. In other embodiments, one or more of eventrecognizers 180 are part of a separate module, such as a user interfacekit (not shown) or a higher level object from which application 136-1inherits methods and other properties. In some embodiments, a respectiveevent handler 190 includes one or more of: data updater 176, objectupdater 177, GUI updater 178, and/or event data 179 received from eventsorter 170. Event handler 190 may utilize or call data updater 176,object updater 177 or GUI updater 178 to update the application internalstate 192. Alternatively, one or more of the application views 191includes one or more respective event handlers 190. Also, in someembodiments, one or more of data updater 176, object updater 177, andGUI updater 178 are included in a respective application view 191.

A respective event recognizer 180 receives event information (e.g.,event data 179) from event sorter 170, and identifies an event from theevent information. Event recognizer 180 includes event receiver 182 andevent comparator 184. In some embodiments, event recognizer 180 alsoincludes at least a subset of: metadata 183, and event deliveryinstructions 188 (which may include sub-event delivery instructions).

Event receiver 182 receives event information from event sorter 170. Theevent information includes information about a sub-event, for example, atouch or a touch movement. Depending on the sub-event, the eventinformation also includes additional information, such as location ofthe sub-event. When the sub-event concerns motion of a touch the eventinformation may also include speed and direction of the sub-event. Insome embodiments, events include rotation of the device from oneorientation to another (e.g., from a portrait orientation to a landscapeorientation, or vice versa), and the event information includescorresponding information about the current orientation (also calleddevice attitude) of the device.

Event comparator 184 compares the event information to predefined eventor sub-event definitions and, based on the comparison, determines anevent or sub-event, or determines or updates the state of an event orsub-event. In some embodiments, event comparator 184 includes eventdefinitions 186. Event definitions 186 contain definitions of events(e.g., predefined sequences of sub-events), for example, event 1(187-1), event 2 (187-2), and others. In some embodiments, sub-events inan event 187 include, for example, touch begin, touch end, touchmovement, touch cancellation, and multiple touching. In one example, thedefinition for event 1 (187-1) is a double tap on a displayed object.The double tap, for example, comprises a first touch (touch begin) onthe displayed object for a predetermined phase, a first lift-off (touchend) for a predetermined phase, a second touch (touch begin) on thedisplayed object for a predetermined phase, and a second lift-off (touchend) for a predetermined phase. In another example, the definition forevent 2 (187-2) is a dragging on a displayed object. The dragging, forexample, comprises a touch (or contact) on the displayed object for apredetermined phase, a movement of the touch across touch-sensitivedisplay 112, and lift-off of the touch (touch end). In some embodiments,the event also includes information for one or more associated eventhandlers 190.

In some embodiments, event definition 187 includes a definition of anevent for a respective user-interface object. In some embodiments, eventcomparator 184 performs a hit test to determine which user-interfaceobject is associated with a sub-event. For example, in an applicationview in which three user-interface objects are displayed ontouch-sensitive display 112, when a touch is detected on touch-sensitivedisplay 112, event comparator 184 performs a hit test to determine whichof the three user-interface objects is associated with the touch(sub-event). If each displayed object is associated with a respectiveevent handler 190, the event comparator uses the result of the hit testto determine which event handler 190 should be activated. For example,event comparator 184 selects an event handler associated with thesub-event and the object triggering the hit test.

In some embodiments, the definition for a respective event 187 alsoincludes delayed actions that delay delivery of the event informationuntil after it has been determined whether the sequence of sub-eventsdoes or does not correspond to the event recognizer's event type.

When a respective event recognizer 180 determines that the series ofsub-events do not match any of the events in event definitions 186, therespective event recognizer 180 enters an event impossible, eventfailed, or event ended state, after which it disregards subsequentsub-events of the touch-based gesture. In this situation, other eventrecognizers, if any, that remain active for the hit view continue totrack and process sub-events of an ongoing touch-based gesture.

In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180 includes metadata183 with configurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate howthe event delivery system should perform sub-event delivery to activelyinvolved event recognizers. In some embodiments, metadata 183 includesconfigurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate how eventrecognizers may interact with one another. In some embodiments, metadata183 includes configurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicatewhether sub-events are delivered to varying levels in the view orprogrammatic hierarchy.

In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180 activates eventhandler 190 associated with an event when one or more particularsub-events of an event are recognized. In some embodiments, a respectiveevent recognizer 180 delivers event information associated with theevent to event handler 190. Activating an event handler 190 is distinctfrom sending (and deferred sending) sub-events to a respective hit view.In some embodiments, event recognizer 180 throws a flag associated withthe recognized event, and event handler 190 associated with the flagcatches the flag and performs a predefined process.

In some embodiments, event delivery instructions 188 include sub-eventdelivery instructions that deliver event information about a sub-eventwithout activating an event handler. Instead, the sub-event deliveryinstructions deliver event information to event handlers associated withthe series of sub-events or to actively involved views. Event handlersassociated with the series of sub-events or with actively involved viewsreceive the event information and perform a predetermined process.

In some embodiments, data updater 176 creates and updates data used inapplication 136-1. For example, data updater 176 updates the telephonenumber used in contacts module 137, or stores a video file used in videoplayer module 145. In some embodiments, object updater 177 creates andupdates objects used in application 136-1. For example, object updater176 creates a new user-interface object or updates the position of auser-interface object. GUI updater 178 updates the GUI. For example, GUIupdater 178 prepares display information and sends it to graphics module132 for display on a touch-sensitive display.

In some embodiments, event handler(s) 190 includes or has access to dataupdater 176, object updater 177, and GUI updater 178. In someembodiments, data updater 176, object updater 177, and GUI updater 178are included in a single module of a respective application 136-1 orapplication view 191. In other embodiments, they are included in two ormore software modules.

It shall be understood that the foregoing discussion regarding eventhandling of user touches on touch-sensitive displays also applies toother forms of user inputs to operate multifunction devices 100 withinput-devices, not all of which are initiated on touch screens, e.g.,coordinating mouse movement and mouse button presses with or withoutsingle or multiple keyboard presses or holds, user movements taps,drags, scrolls, etc., on touch-pads, pen stylus inputs, movement of thedevice, oral instructions, detected eye movements, biometric inputs,and/or any combination thereof, which may be utilized as inputscorresponding to sub-events which define an event to be recognized.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device 100 having a touchscreen 112 in accordance with some embodiments. The touch screen maydisplay one or more graphics within user interface (UI) 200. In thisembodiment, as well as others described below, a user may select one ormore of the graphics by making contact or touching the graphics, forexample, with one or more fingers 202 (not drawn to scale in the figure)or one or more styluses 203 (not drawn to scale in the figure). In someembodiments, selection of one or more graphics occurs when the userbreaks contact with the one or more graphics. In some embodiments, thecontact may include a gesture, such as one or more taps, one or moreswipes (from left to right, right to left, upward and/or downward)and/or a rolling of a finger (from right to left, left to right, upwardand/or downward) that has made contact with device 100. In someembodiments, inadvertent contact with a graphic may not select thegraphic. For example, a swipe gesture that sweeps over an applicationicon may not select the corresponding application when the gesturecorresponding to selection is a tap.

Device 100 may also include one or more physical buttons, such as “home”or menu button 204. As described previously, menu button 204 may be usedto navigate to any application 136 in a set of applications that may beexecuted on device 100. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menubutton is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on touch screen112.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes touch screen 112, menu button204, push button 206 for powering the device on/off and locking thedevice, volume adjustment button(s) 208, Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) card slot 210, head set jack 212, and docking/charging externalport 124. Push button 206 may be used to turn the power on/off on thedevice by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressedstate for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressingthe button and releasing the button before the predefined time intervalhas elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process.In an alternative embodiment, device 100 also may accept verbal inputfor activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone 113.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction device with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with someembodiments. Device 300 need not be portable. In some embodiments,device 300 is a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer,a multimedia player device, a navigation device, an educational device(such as a child's learning toy), a gaming system, or a control device(e.g., a home or industrial controller). Device 300 typically includesone or more processing units (CPU's) 310, one or more network or othercommunications interfaces 360, memory 370, and one or more communicationbuses 320 for interconnecting these components. Communication buses 320may include circuitry (sometimes called a chipset) that interconnectsand controls communications between system components. Device 300includes input/output (I/O) interface 330 comprising display 340, whichis typically a touch screen display. I/O interface 330 also may includea keyboard and/or mouse (or other pointing device) 350 and touchpad 355.Memory 370 includes high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM,DDR RAM or other random access solid state memory devices; and mayinclude non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storagedevices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or othernon-volatile solid state storage devices. Memory 370 may optionallyinclude one or more storage devices remotely located from CPU(s) 310. Insome embodiments, memory 370 stores programs, modules, and datastructures analogous to the programs, modules, and data structuresstored in memory 102 of portable multifunction device 100 (FIG. 1), or asubset thereof. Furthermore, memory 370 may store additional programs,modules, and data structures not present in memory 102 of portablemultifunction device 100. For example, memory 370 of device 300 maystore drawing module 380, presentation module 382, word processingmodule 384, website creation module 386, disk authoring module 388,and/or spreadsheet module 390, while memory 102 of portablemultifunction device 100 (FIG. 1) may not store these modules.

Each of the above identified elements in FIG. 3 may be stored in one ormore of the previously mentioned memory devices. Each of the aboveidentified modules corresponds to a set of instructions for performing afunction described above. The above identified modules or programs(i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separatesoftware programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets ofthese modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in variousembodiments. In some embodiments, memory 370 may store a subset of themodules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory 370may store additional modules and data structures not described above.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces (“UI”)that may be implemented on portable multifunction device 100.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a menu ofapplications on portable multifunction device 100 in accordance withsome embodiments. Similar user interfaces may be implemented on device300. In some embodiments, user interface 400A includes the followingelements, or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   Signal strength indicator(s) 402 for wireless communication(s),        such as cellular and Wi-Fi signals;    -   Time 404;    -   Bluetooth indicator 405;    -   Battery status indicator 406;    -   Tray 408 with icons for frequently used applications, such as:        -   Phone 138, which may include an indicator 414 of the number            of missed calls or voicemail messages;        -   E-mail client 140, which may include an indicator 410 of the            number of unread e-mails;        -   Browser 147; and        -   Music player 146; and    -   Icons for other applications, such as:        -   IM 141;        -   Image management 144;        -   Camera 143;        -   Video player 145;        -   Weather 149-1;        -   Stocks 149-2;        -   Workout support 142;        -   Calendar 148;        -   Calculator 149-3;        -   Alarm clock 149-4;        -   Dictionary 149-5; and        -   User-created widget 149-6.

In some embodiments, user interface 400B includes the followingelements, or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   402, 404, 405, 406, 141, 148, 144, 143, 149-3, 149-2, 149-1,        149-4, 410, 414, 138, 140, and 147, as described above;    -   Map 154;    -   Notes 153;    -   Settings 412, which provides access to settings for device 100        and its various applications 136, as described further below;    -   Video and music player module 152, also referred to as iPod        (trademark of Apple Inc.) module 152; and    -   Online video module 155, also referred to as YouTube (trademark        of Google Inc.) module 155.

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary user interface on a device (e.g.,device 300, FIG. 3) with a touch-sensitive surface 451 (e.g., a tabletor touchpad 355, FIG. 3) that is separate from the display 450 (e.g.,touch screen display 112). Although many of the examples which followwill be given with reference to inputs on touch screen display 112(where the touch sensitive surface and the display are combined), insome embodiments, the device detects inputs on a touch-sensitive surfacethat is separate from the display, as shown in FIG. 4C. In someembodiments the touch sensitive surface (e.g., 451 in FIG. 4C) has aprimary axis (e.g., 452 in FIG. 4C) that corresponds to a primary axis(e.g., 453 in FIG. 4C) on the display (e.g., 450). In accordance withthese embodiments, the device detects contacts (e.g., 460 and 462 inFIG. 4C) with the touch-sensitive surface 451 at locations thatcorrespond to respective locations on the display (e.g., in FIG. 4C 460corresponds to 468 and 462 corresponds to 470). In this way, user inputs(e.g., contacts 460 and 462, and movements thereof) detected by thedevice on the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., 451 in FIG. 4C) are used bythe device to manipulate the user interface on the display (e.g., 450 inFIG. 4C) of the multifunction device when the touch-sensitive surface isseparate from the display. It should be understood that similar methodsmay be used for other user interfaces described herein.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces (“UI”)and associated processes that may be implemented on a multifunctiondevice with a display and a touch-sensitive surface, such as device 300or portable multifunction device 100.

FIGS. 5A-5HH illustrate exemplary user interfaces for managingconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments. Theuser interfaces in these figures are used to illustrate the processesdescribed below, including the processes in FIGS. 6A-6C, 7, 8A-8C, 9,10, and 11A-11B.

As used in the specification and claims, the term “open application”refers to a software application with retained state information (e.g.,as part of device/global internal state 157 and/or application internalstate 192). An open application is any one of the following types ofapplications:

-   -   an active application, which is currently displayed on display        112 (or a corresponding application view is currently displayed        on the display);    -   a background application (or background process), which is not        currently displayed on display 112, but one or more application        processes (e.g., instructions) for the corresponding application        are being processed by one or more processors 120 (i.e.,        running);    -   a suspended application, which is not currently running, and the        application is stored in a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM,        DDR RAM, or other volatile random access solid state memory        device of memory 102); and    -   a hibernated application, which is not running, and the        application is stored in a non-volatile memory (e.g., one or        more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage        devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid state        storage devices of memory 102).

As used herein, the term “closed application” refers to softwareapplications without retained state information (e.g., state informationfor closed applications is not stored in a memory of the device).Accordingly, closing an application includes stopping and/or removingapplication processes for the application and removing state informationfor the application from the memory of the device. Generally, opening asecond application while in a first application does not close the firstapplication. When the second application is displayed and the firstapplication ceases to be displayed, the first application, which was anactive application when displayed, may become a background application,suspended application, or hibernated application, but the firstapplication remains an open application while its state information isretained by the device.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate exemplary user interfaces for selecting one ofthe concurrently open applications and displaying a correspondingapplication view.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary user interface (“home screen” 5001)displaying a plurality of application icons 5002 (e.g., 5002-21 through5002-38) on touch screen 112 of a portable electronic device (e.g.,portable multifunction device 100). In FIG. 5A, finger gesture 505(e.g., a tap gesture) is detected on touch screen 112 at a location thatcorresponds to map application icon 5002-27. (Note that the applicationicons 5002 on the home page displayed in FIG. 5A may or may notcorrespond to open application icons, whereas the application icons 5002in FIGS. 5C-5Z correspond to open application icons.)

In FIG. 5B, in response to detecting the finger gesture, the mapapplication is launched and map application view 5004-1 is displayed ontouch screen 112. In this example, the map application view includes aportion of a map and user interface objects, such as a search inputfield, a search icon, and a directions icon. Also in FIG. 5B, input 507(e.g., a click or double-click on home button 204) is detected.

FIG. 5C illustrates that, in response to detecting input 507, a portionof map application view 5004-1 and application icon area 5006 areconcurrently displayed. In some embodiments, in response to detectinginput 507, the device enters into an application selection mode forselecting one of the concurrently open applications, and the portion ofmap application view 5004-1 and application icon area 5006 areconcurrently displayed as part of the application selection mode.Application icon area 5006 includes an initial group of open applicationicons that correspond to at least some of the concurrently openapplications. In this example, the multifunction device has multipleapplications that are concurrently open, although they are notsimultaneously displayed. Also in this example, application icon area5006 includes application icons for a web browser (Safari), a musicapplication (iPod), a finance application (Stocks), and a multimediastore application (iTunes).

In some embodiments, the concurrent display of the map application viewand the application icon area may include an animation. For example, themap application view can slide up such that a portion of the mapapplication view moves off the display and a portion of the mapapplication view remains on the display. The application icon area canslide in simultaneously from the bottom of the screen such that theanimation gives a visual appearance that the map application view andthe application icon area are connected.

In FIG. 5C, finger gesture 509 (e.g., a tap gesture) is detected ontouch screen 112 at a location that corresponds to web browserapplication icon 5002-37.

FIG. 5D illustrates that, in response to detecting the finger gesture ata location that corresponds to the web browser application icon, webbrowser application view 5004-2 is displayed on touch screen 112.

FIGS. 5E-5F illustrate scrolling of the application icon area. In FIG.5E, contact 511 (e.g., a finger contact) is detected on touch screen 112at a location 511-A that corresponds to application icon area 5006. InFIGS. 5E-5F, contact 511 moves across the touch screen 112 to adifferent location (e.g., 511-B), and application icons in applicationicon area 5006 are scrolled in accordance with the movement of contact511.

FIGS. 5G-5I illustrate exemplary user interfaces for closing one of theconcurrently open applications. In FIG. 5G, finger gesture 513 (e.g., apress-and-hold gesture) is detected on touch screen 112 at a locationthat corresponds to music application icon 5002-38, while the device isin an application selection mode. FIG. 5H illustrates that in responseto detecting the finger gesture, the multifunction device enters into anapplication closure mode. In the application closure mode, the musicapplication icon is visually distinguished from the rest of theapplication icons displayed on touch screen 112. In this example, themusic application icon is animated (e.g., jiggled), and the rest of thedisplayed application icons are dimmed. In addition, an indicia of anapplication closure (e.g., a close-application icon, such as “-” icon5012-1) is displayed adjacent to the music application icon.

In FIG. 5H, finger gesture 515 (e.g., a tap gesture) is detected ontouch screen 112 at a location that corresponds to the visuallydistinguished application icon (e.g., the music application icon5002-38). FIG. 5I illustrates that, in response to detecting thegesture, the visually distinguished application icon (e.g., 5002-38) isremoved from the application icon area. Also in response to the gesture,the multifunction device closes a corresponding application (e.g., amusic application). After the visually distinguished application icon(e.g., 5002-38) is removed, the multifunction device displays a new setof application icons without visual distinction (e.g., the applicationicons are no longer dimmed). The new set of application icons includesapplication icons that were included in the initial set of applicationicons except for the closed application icon (e.g., 5002-37, 5002-26,and 5002-32). An additional application icon (e.g., 5002-35) is added tothe new set of application icons. Also, after removing the visuallydistinguished application icon, the multifunction device exits theapplication closure mode, and returns to the application selection mode.In some embodiments, a finger gesture (e.g., a tap gesture) at alocation that corresponds to close-application icon 5012-1 removes thevisually distinguished application icon.

FIGS. 5J-5K illustrate exemplary user interfaces including a musicapplication view. In FIG. 5J, music application view 5004-3 (e.g., iPodapplication view) is displayed. Music application view 5004-3 includesmusic controls (e.g., play/pause, fast forward/next track, andrewind/previous track, and/or a scrubber bar). FIG. 5J also illustratesthat an input 517 is detected (e.g., a single or double click on homebutton 204).

In FIG. 5K, a portion of music application view 5004-3 and applicationicon area 5006 are concurrently displayed. In this example, it is notedthat the music application icon (e.g., 5002-38) is not displayed in theapplication icon area while the music application view (e.g., 5004-3) isdisplayed, regardless of how recent the corresponding music applicationis used, or whether the corresponding music application is playingmusic.

FIG. 5L illustrates an exemplary user interface including music controlicons in the predefined area (e.g., music control icons 5106 (e.g.,pause, previous track, and next track icons) in application icon area5006-1). It is noted that music control icons 5106 and application iconsare displayed on separate rows in (enlarged) predefined area 5006-1. Insome embodiments, while the application icons are scrolled, musiccontrol icons 5106 remain on the display. In FIG. 5L, left-to-rightswipe gesture 537 is detected on touch screen 112.

FIG. 5M illustrates an exemplary user interface including settings iconsin the predefined area. In some embodiments, the settings icons aredisplayed in response to detecting left-to-right swipe gesture 537. InFIG. 5M, settings icons (e.g., rotate lock icon 5102-1, Wi-Fi icon5102-2, and Bluetooth icon 5102-3) are displayed in application iconarea 5006-1. Each settings icon, when activated (e.g., by a fingergesture), changes a corresponding setting (e.g., Wi-Fi icon 5102-2, whenactivated, turns on or off a Wi-Fi connection). In some embodiments, oneor more application icons can be concurrently displayed with settingsicons in application icon area 5006 (not shown).

FIG. 5N illustrates a rotation of the multifunction device 100. Inresponse to detecting a rotation of the multifunction device 100,application icons 5002 are rotated and rearranged. In some embodiments,the number of application icons displayed in a landscape mode (e.g.,five, six, etc.) is different from the number of application iconsdisplayed in a portrait mode (e.g., three, four, etc.). In someembodiments, the application icons displayed in the landscape modeincludes application icons displayed in the portrait mode (e.g., after arotation of the device as shown in FIG. 5L from the portrait mode to alandscape mode, the device can display at least Stocks, Maps, iTunes,and Game Center icons (not shown)). In other embodiments, theapplication icons displayed in the landscape mode do not includeapplication icons displayed in the portrait mode (e.g., FIGS. 5M-5N).

FIG. 5O illustrates an alternative user interface for selecting an openapplication. When the device enters an application selection mode (e.g.,by input 507 in FIG. 5B), instead of displaying application icons (e.g.,as shown in FIG. 5C), images of open applications (e.g., 5008-10,5008-11, and 5008-13) can be displayed in predefined area 5006.

FIGS. 5P-5Y illustrate exemplary user interfaces including userinterface objects corresponding to open applications, arranged in agrid. The user interface objects are typically user selectable (or useractivatable).

FIGS. 5P and 5Q illustrate scrolling open application icons arranged ina grid. In FIG. 5P, open application icons 5002 (e.g., 5002-1 through5002-9) are displayed in a three-by-three grid. In some embodiments,application icons 5002 can be the same as application icons illustratedin FIGS. 5A-5K (e.g., map application icons 5002-6 and 5002-27 can beidentical). In other embodiments, application icons 5002 displayed in agrid can be different from application icons displayed elsewhere (e.g.,within an application icon area 5006 or on home screen 5001).

FIG. 5P also illustrates that gesture 519 (e.g., a swipe gesture) isdetected on touch screen 112. FIG. 5Q illustrates that, in response todetecting gesture 519, open application icons 5002 displayed on touchscreen 112 in FIG. 5P are scrolled off the display, and a different setof open application icons 5002 (e.g., 5002-10 through 5002-18) aredisplayed on touch screen 112.

FIGS. 5R-5T illustrate exemplary user interfaces involving images ofopen applications (or corresponding application views). In FIG. 5R,images 5008 (e.g., 5008-10 through 5008-18) of open applications orapplication views (e.g., live thumbnails) are displayed in a grid. Insome embodiments, the images of open applications are updated when thecorresponding applications change corresponding application views (e.g.,a browser displays new content on a webpage, a movie player playsmovies, etc.).

In FIG. 5S, open application icons (e.g., 5002-35, 5002-36, and 5002-37)are displayed, at least partially overlapping the images ofcorresponding open applications (e.g., 5008-10, 5008-11, and 5008-12).In some embodiments, open application icons 5002 are displayed adjacentto the images 5008 of the corresponding open applications withoutoverlap. In some embodiments, open application icons 5002 are displayedentirely overlapping the images 5008 of corresponding open applications.

FIG. 5T illustrates that at least a subset of the images 5008 includesstatus indicia for corresponding applications. In this example, mapapplication image 5008-6 includes compass icon 5010-1, which indicatesthat certain features (e.g., a GPS tracking function) are activated in acorresponding map application. In some embodiments, open applicationicons (e.g., 5002) can include status indicia.

FIGS. 5U-5V illustrate exemplary user interfaces including anapplication closure mode. In FIG. 5U, one of the images (e.g., 5008-12)is displayed with a jiggling animation. In addition, image 5008-12includes close-application icon 5012-2. Image 5008-12, when selected(e.g., by a finger tap gesture), removes image 5008-12 from thedisplayed set of images, and closes a corresponding application (e.g., aweb browser application). Afterwards, the rest of the images (e.g.,5008-10, 5008-11, 5008-13 through 5008-18) and a new image (e.g.,5008-19) are displayed, as shown in FIG. 5V. The close-application iconoperates in a manner analogous to the application closure mode asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 5G-5I.

FIGS. 5W-5X illustrate exemplary user interfaces including concurrentdisplay of the open application icons and search icon 5004. In FIG. 5W,contact 521 is detected on touch screen 112 at a location correspondingto search icon 5104. FIG. 5X illustrates that, in response to detectingcontact 521 at the location corresponding to search icon 5104, keyboard5014 is displayed on touch screen 112. In some embodiments, search icon5104 and keyboard 5014 are concurrently displayed on touch screen 112with at least a subset of open application icons 5002 (e.g., applicationicons 5002 in FIG. 5X). In some embodiments, the concurrently displayedapplication icons correspond to applications that match the searchterm(s). In some embodiments, search icon 5104 and keyboard 5014 areconcurrently displayed with a list of application (e.g., applicationsthat match the search term(s)).

FIG. 5Y illustrates a rotation of the multifunction device 100. Inresponse to detecting a rotation of the multifunction device 100, openapplication icons 5002 are rotated and rearranged. In some embodiments,the number of application icons displayed in a landscape mode (e.g.,two-by-four, two-by-five, etc.) is different from the number ofapplication icons displayed in a portrait mode (e.g., three-by-three,four-by-three, four-by-two, etc.).

FIGS. 5Z-5AA illustrate a gesture for displaying user selectedinformation. In FIG. 5Z, gesture 523 (e.g., a swipe down gesture) isdetected on touch screen 112 from a top edge of the display. FIG. 5AAillustrates that, in response to detecting gesture 523, an exemplaryuser interface including user selected information is displayed. Theuser selected information user interface includes, for example, userselectable icon (e.g., done icon 5020), user selected information (e.g.,local weather 5016), and recent electronic notifications (e.g., recentemail 5018-1 and upcoming events 5018-2).

FIGS. 5BB-5CC illustrates an exemplary user interface includingthree-dimensional stack of images of open applications. In FIG. 5BB,images of open applications are displayed in a three-dimensional stackextending backwards on the display. For example, an image of an openapplication that was used most recently (e.g., 5008-10) is displayed upfront, an image of an open application that was used second mostrecently (e.g., 5008-11) is displayed right behind the most recentlyused application (e.g., 5008-10), and so on. In some embodiments, theimages can be scrolled by a swipe gesture, and a correspondingapplication can be selected by a tap gesture. In FIG. 5BB, gesture 533(e.g., a tap gesture) is detected at a location that corresponds to arespective image of an open application (e.g., a mail application). Inresponse, a mail application view is displayed, as shown in FIG. 5CC.

FIGS. 5CC-5HH illustrate exemplary user interfaces for selecting one ofthe concurrently open applications. FIG. 5CC illustrates mailapplication view 5004-4 for an email application (e.g., Mail). In FIG.5CC, mail application view 5004-4 includes email text, including link5020-1 to a webpage. Gesture 525 (e.g., a tap gesture) is detected ontouch screen 112 at a location that corresponds to link 5020-1.

In FIG. 5DD, in response to detecting gesture 525 at the location thatcorresponds to link 5020-1, the corresponding web page is displayed inweb browser application view 5004-5. FIG. 5DD also illustrates thatinput 527 (e.g., a single or double click on home button 204) isdetected.

FIG. 5EE illustrates that, in response to detecting input 527, a portionof home screen 5001, web browser application view 5008-12, and a portionof mail application view 5008-10 are displayed. FIG. 5EE alsoillustrates that tap gesture 535 can be detected at a location thatcorresponds to image 5008-10 of mail application. In response todetecting tap gesture 535, mail application view 5004-4 (as shown inFIG. 5CC) will be displayed without concurrently displaying any otherapplication view. FIG. 5EE also illustrates that swipe gesture 529 canbe detected on touch screen at a location that corresponds to mailapplication view 5008-10, and in FIG. 5FF, in response to detectingswipe gesture 529, application views (e.g., 5008-10 and 5008-12) arescrolled, and a portion of map application view 5008-6 is displayed.

In FIG. 5FF, when gesture 531 (e.g., a tap gesture) is detected at alocation that corresponds to map application view 5008-6, in response, amap application view is displayed, as shown in FIG. 5GG.

In FIG. 5FF, when gesture 533 (e.g., a tap gesture) is detected at alocation that corresponds to home screen 5001, in response, home screen5001 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 5HH.

FIGS. 6A-6C are flow diagrams illustrating method 600 of selecting oneof concurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.Method 600 is performed at a multifunction device (e.g., device 300,FIG. 3, or portable multifunction device 100, FIG. 1) with a display anda touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the display is a touchscreen display and the touch-sensitive surface is on the display. Insome embodiments, the display is separate from the touch-sensitivesurface. Some operations in method 600 may be combined and/or the orderof some operations may be changed.

As described below, method 600 provides an intuitive way to select oneof concurrently open applications. The method reduces the cognitiveburden on a user when selecting one of concurrently open application,thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. Forbattery-operated computing devices, enabling a user to select one ofconcurrently open applications faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges.

The device displays (602) a first application view (e.g., mapapplication view 5004-1 in FIG. 5B) on a touch-sensitive display thatcorresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently openapplications (e.g., the device may have multiple open applications, suchas Safari, iPod, Stocks, and iTunes). The first application view isdisplayed without concurrently displaying an application view for anyother application in the plurality of concurrently open applications(e.g., in FIG. 5B, map application view 5004-1 is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying an application view for any other application).In other words, in a normal operation mode, just a single applicationview is displayed, which corresponds to one of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The other open applications (e.g., theother open applications, such as Safari, iPod, Stocks, and iTunes) maybe running in the background or be in a suspended or hibernatedoperating state.

The device detects (604) a first input (e.g., input 507 in FIG. 5B). Insome embodiments, the first input is a single tap on a home button(e.g., 204). In some embodiments, the first input is a double tap on thehome button (e.g., 204). In some embodiments, the first input is agesture on the touch-sensitive display, such as a three-finger pinchgesture or a swipe gesture.

In response to detecting the first input (606), the device performs thefollowing actions. The device enters (608) an application view selectionmode for selecting one of the concurrently open applications for displayin a corresponding application view. The device displays (610) in afirst predefined area (e.g., a strip in a predefined location on thetouch-sensitive display) an initial group of open application icons thatcorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications (e.g., application icons 5002 in application icon area 5006in FIG. 5C). In some embodiments, the device maintains the display ofthe first predefined area without further input (e.g., press-and-hold onhome button 204 or on touch screen 112) until the application viewselection mode is exited. In some embodiments, the area displays theopen application icons as a scrollable strip with a linear array of openapplication icons (e.g., application icon area 5006 is scrollable asshown in FIGS. 5E-5F). The device concurrently displays (612) at least aportion of the first application view adjacent to the first predefinedarea (e.g., in FIG. 5C, at least a portion of map application view5004-1 and application icon area 5006 are concurrently displayed). Theconcurrent display provides several benefits. For example, it providescontext by maintaining the first application view while an openapplication icon is being selected. In addition, it is easy to get backto the first application (and cease the display of the application iconarea) by, for example, tapping on the first application view.

In some embodiments, at least a subset of the open application iconsinclude (624 in FIG. 6B) status indicia for corresponding applications.For example, an audio application icon includes a “now recording”indicia (e.g., a red dot) displayed on or proximate to the audioapplication icon. In another example, a map application icon includes a“GPS active” indicia (e.g., a compass image) displayed on or proximateto the map application icon (e.g., see an analogous example in FIG. 5Swhere image 5008-6 includes a compass icon 5010-1).

In some embodiments, the initial group of open application iconsincludes (626) an audio application icon when a corresponding audioapplication is in use. For example, when a music player application isplaying music, the initial group of open application icons alwaysincludes a corresponding music player application icon (e.g., iPodapplication icon 5002-38 in FIG. 5C). Displaying the audio applicationicon as part of the initial group of open application icons facilitatesrapid selection and display of the corresponding audio application. Forexample, there is no need to scroll the open application icons in thepredefined area to display the audio application icon.

In some embodiments, open application icons are displayed (628) in thefirst predefined area in a sequence and the sequence is determined inaccordance with a usage history for the corresponding open applications.For example, assume multimedia store application iTunes is used first,then finance application Stocks, then music application iPod, webbrowser application Safari, and finally a map application is the lastapplication used prior to entering the application view selection mode.Then, in some embodiments, the initial group of open application iconswill be iTunes, Stocks, iPod, and Safari. In addition, the sequence ofopen application icons will be Safari, iPod, Stocks, and iTunes (asshown in FIG. 5C). In some embodiments, selecting an open applicationicon corresponding to one of the initial group of open applications doesnot change the sequence in which the initial group of open applicationicons is displayed. For example, selecting the iTunes application iconin FIG. 5C and re-entering the application view selection mode does notchange the sequence of open application icons, Safari, iPod, Stocks, andiTunes. This has a benefit of providing a previously presented sequence(which is familiar to the user) of open application icons, therebyavoiding the need for the user to learn a new arrangement of openapplication icons. This reduces the cognitive burden on a user andproduces a more efficient human-machine interface.

In some embodiments, the device displays scrollable pages of icons(e.g., application launch icons and/or folder icons), a scrollable listof icons, or a scrollable array of icons in a predefined area of thedisplay (e.g., application icons 5002-21 through 5002-34 are displayedon a scrollable page of icons in FIG. 5A). The device concurrentlydisplays stationary icons (e.g., frequently used or favorite applicationlaunch icons and/or folder icons selected by a user) in another,distinct predefined area of the display (e.g., a dock area) (e.g.,application icons 5002-35 through 5002-38 are stationary icons in thedock area). In some embodiments, the device can also enter theapplication view selection mode from this display in response todetecting an input (e.g., in response to detecting a double tap on thehome button). In some embodiments, in response to detecting the input,the stationary icons in the dock area are replaced by the initial groupof open application icons that correspond to at least some of theplurality of concurrently open applications. In other words, the dockarea in normal operation mode is replaced by the first predefined areawith open application icons in the application view selection mode. Insome embodiments, in response to detecting the input, the applicationicons on the scrollable pages and the dock area (e.g., application icons5002-21 through 5002-38) slide up, and at least a subset of theapplication icons and a predefined area including open application iconsare concurrently displayed, in a manner analogous to the concurrentdisplay of application view 5004-1 and predefined area 5006 in FIG. 5C.

In some embodiments, the device displays (630) settings icons in thefirst predefined area while in the application view selection mode(e.g., settings icons 5102 in FIG. 5M). Exemplary setting icons include:a rotation lock icon; communication mode icons, such as an airplane modeicon, a Wi-Fi icon, and/or Bluetooth icon; and audio controls, such asplay/pause, fast forward, reverse, stop, volume controls, and/or trackcontrols.

In some embodiments, when settings icons for an open application aredisplayed in the first predefined area, the corresponding openapplication icon is not displayed (632) in the first predefined area.For example, when music player controls are displayed in the firstpredefined area, the corresponding music player application icon is notdisplayed (e.g., in FIG. 5L, when music player controls 5106 aredisplayed in application icon area 5006-1, the corresponding musicplayer application icon (e.g., iPod) is not displayed in applicationicon area 5006-1).

In some embodiments, the device concurrently displays (634) audiocontrol icons and open application icons other than a correspondingaudio application icon in respective rows in the first predefined area(e.g., audio control icons 5106 and other application icons inrespective rows in application icon area 5006-1 in FIG. 5L).

In some embodiments, the at least a portion of the first applicationview is displayed (636) in a second predefined area that is larger thanand adjacent to the first predefined area. For example, in FIG. 5C, thearea where a portion of map application view 5004-1 is displayed islarger than and adjacent to application icon area 5006.

In some embodiments, a first set of open application icons includes theinitial group of open application icons, and the first set of openapplication icons is displayed in a first orientation. The devicedetects a rotation of the multifunction device from the firstorientation to a second orientation, and displays a second set of openapplication icons in the second orientation (e.g., FIG. 5N). The initialgroup of open application icons and the second set of open applicationicons have different numbers of open application icons (e.g., in FIG.5N, the second set of open application icons has six open applicationicons, whereas the initial group of applications in FIG. 5C has fouropen application icons). In some embodiments, displaying the second setof open application icons in the second orientation includes ceasing todisplay the first set of open application icons in the firstorientation. In some embodiments, displaying the second set of openapplication icons in the second orientation includes rearranging thefirst set of open application icons in the first orientation.

The device detects (614 in FIG. 6A) a gesture (e.g., a tap gesture) on arespective open application icon in the first predefined area (e.g.,gesture 509 on application icon 5002-37 in FIG. 5C). In response todetecting the gesture on the respective open application icon (616), thedevice performs the following actions. The device displays (618) arespective application view on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications (e.g., browser application view 5004-2 in FIG. 5D). Therespective application view is displayed without concurrently displayingan application view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications (e.g., in FIG. 5D, browser applicationview 5004-2 is displayed without concurrently displaying any otherapplication views). The device ceases (620) to display open applicationicons in the first predefined area (e.g., application icon area 5006 andapplication icons 5002 in application icon area 5006 are no longerdisplayed in FIG. 5D). The device exits (622) the application viewselection mode (and enters a normal operation mode for the respectiveapplication).

In some embodiments, while in the application view selection mode, thedevice performs (640 in FIG. 6C) the following actions. The devicedetects a gesture (e.g., a tap gesture) on the at least a portion of thefirst application view. In response to detecting the gesture on theportion of the first application view, the device displays the firstapplication view on the touch-sensitive display without concurrentlydisplaying an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications, and exits the applicationview selection mode (and enters a normal operation mode for the firstapplication). For example, in FIG. 5C, when a gesture is detected ontouch screen 112 at a location corresponding to map application view5004-1, the device displays map application view 5004-1 withoutconcurrently displaying application icon area 5006 or an applicationview for any other application, as shown in FIG. 5B.

In some embodiments, in response to detecting the first input, thedevice slides (638) the first application view such that part of thefirst application view moves off the display and a portion of the firstapplication view remains on the display (e.g., in FIG. 5C, a portion ofmap application view 5004-1 moves off the display and a portion of mapapplication view 5004-1 remains on the display).

In some embodiments, while in the application view selection mode, thedevice detects (642) a scroll gesture (e.g., a swipe gesture) in thefirst predefined area, and in response to detecting the scroll gesture,scrolls the plurality of concurrently open application icons in thefirst predefined area in accordance with the scroll gesture (e.g., FIGS.5E-5F).

In some embodiments, while displaying the initial group of openapplication icons in the application view selection mode, the deviceperforms (644) one of the following actions. When a first scroll gesturein a first direction (e.g., a right-to-left swipe gesture) is detectedin the first predefined area, the device scrolls to display other openapplication icons in the plurality of concurrently open applicationicons in the first predefined area (e.g., FIGS. 5E-5F). When a secondscroll gesture in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g.,a left-to-right swipe gesture) is detected in the first predefined area,the device scrolls to display settings icons in the first predefinedarea (e.g., FIGS. 5L-5M). In some embodiments, when the second scrollgesture in a second direction different from the first direction (e.g.,a top-to-bottom swipe gesture, a bottom-to-top swipe gesture, or adiagonal swipe gesture) is detected in the first predefined area, thedevice scrolls to display settings icons in the first predefined area.

In some embodiments, while in the application view selection mode, thedevice detects (646) a swipe down gesture that starts from a top edge ofthe display (e.g., gesture 523 in FIG. 5Z). In response to detecting theswipe down gesture, the device displays a user selectable icon (e.g.,done icon 5020 in FIG. 5AA), and displays at least one of: a list ofrecent electronic notifications, (e.g., recent emails 5018-1 and/orupcoming events 5018-2) and user selected information (e.g., localweather information 5016, stock price (not shown), news headings (notshown), etc.).

In some embodiments, while in the application view selection mode, thedevice performs the following actions. The device detects (648) agesture at a location corresponding to an open application icon in thefirst predefined area (e.g., press-and-hold gesture 513 on openapplication icon 5002-38 in FIG. 5G). In response to detecting thegesture at the location corresponding to the open application icon, thedevice displays a close-application icon for closing a correspondingapplication (e.g., an “X” icon or “-” icon 5012-1 on or proximate to theopen application icon). The device detects a gesture at a locationcorresponding to the close-application icon (e.g., a tap gesture onclose-application icon 5012-1). In response to detecting the gesture atthe location corresponding to the close-application icon, the devicecloses the corresponding application. In other words, the deviceperforms quitting/ending of the corresponding application so that thecorresponding application ceases to be an open application.Alternatively, a tap gesture on the open application icon including theclose-application icon (e.g., gesture 515 on open application icon5002-38 in FIG. 5H) has the same effect.

In some embodiments, in response to detecting the gesture at thelocation corresponding to the open application icon, the device jiggles(650) the open application icon at the location. In some embodiments, inresponse to detecting the gesture at the location corresponding to theopen application icon, the device visually distinguishes the openapplication icon by dimming other open application icons (e.g., FIG.5H).

As described above, method 600 is used to select a single applicationfor display among multiple, concurrently open applications. An analogousmethod may also be used to select a single view for display amongmultiple, concurrently open views in a single application (e.g.,selecting one web page for display among multiple, concurrently open webpages in a browser application).

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 600 (e.g., FIGS. 6A-6B and 5A-5HH) are also applicable in ananalogous manner to the methods described below. For example, methods700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 may include one or more of thecharacteristics of the various methods described above with reference tomethod 600. For brevity, these details are not repeated below.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating method 700 of selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.Method 700 is performed at a multifunction device (e.g., device 300,FIG. 3, or portable multifunction device 100, FIG. 1) with a display anda touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the display is a touchscreen display and the touch-sensitive surface is on the display. Insome embodiments, the display is separate from the touch-sensitivesurface. Some operations in method 700 may be combined and/or the orderof some operations may be changed.

As described below, method 700 provides an intuitive way to select oneof concurrently open applications. The method reduces the cognitiveburden on a user when selecting one of concurrently open application,thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. Forbattery-operated computing devices, enabling a user to select one ofconcurrently open applications faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges.

The device displays (702) a first application view on a touch-sensitivedisplay that corresponds to a first application in a plurality ofconcurrently open applications. The first application view is displayedwithout concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications (e.g.,map application view 5004-1 in FIG. 5B).

The device detects (704) a first input (e.g., input 507 in FIG. 5B). Inresponse to detecting the first input (706), the device enters (708) anapplication view selection mode for selecting one of the concurrentlyopen applications for display in a corresponding application view, anddisplays (710) in a predefined area images of open application thatcorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications (e.g., in FIG. 5BB, images 5008 that correspond to at leastsome of the plurality of concurrently open applications are displayed).The images of open applications are displayed in a three-dimensionalstack extending backwards on the display (e.g., three-dimensional stackof images 5008 in FIG. 5BB).

In some embodiments, the images of open applications include openapplication icons (e.g., see an analogous example of images 5008including open application icons 5002 in FIG. 5S). Alternatively, thedevice can display in the predefined area, open application icons thatcorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications, in a three-dimensional stack.

In some embodiments, the images of open applications in thethree-dimensional stack are ordered (712) based at least in part onrecency of use of corresponding open applications (e.g., an image of anopen application that corresponds to the most recently used openapplication is displayed at the front of the stack, while progressivelyless recently used applications are displayed progressively further backin the stack).

The device detects (714) a gesture (e.g., 533 in FIG. 5BB) on arespective image of an open application in the three-dimensional stack.In response to detecting the gesture on the respective image of the openapplication (716), the device performs the following actions. The devicedisplays (718) a respective application view (e.g., mail applicationview 5004-4 in FIG. 5CC) on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications. The respective application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying an application view for any other application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications (e.g., mail applicationview 5004-4 in FIG. 5CC). The device ceases (720) to display thethree-dimensional stack of open application icons, and exits (722) theapplication view selection mode.

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 700 (e.g., FIGS. 7 and 5A-5HH) are also applicable in ananalogous manner to the methods described below. For example, methods800, 900, 1000, and 1100 may include one or more of the characteristicsof the various methods described above with reference to method 700. Forbrevity, these details are not repeated below.

FIGS. 8A-8C are flow diagrams illustrating method 800 of selecting oneof concurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.Method 800 is performed at a multifunction device (e.g., device 300,FIG. 3, or portable multifunction device 100, FIG. 1) with a display anda touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the display is a touchscreen display and the touch-sensitive surface is on the display. Insome embodiments, the display is separate from the touch-sensitivesurface. Some operations in method 800 may be combined and/or the orderof some operations may be changed.

As described below, method 800 provides an intuitive way to select oneof concurrently open applications. The method reduces the cognitiveburden on a user when selecting one of concurrently open application,thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. Forbattery-operated computing devices, enabling a user to select one ofconcurrently open applications faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges.

The device displays (802) a first application view at a first size(e.g., the first size of the application view occupies all orsubstantially all (e.g., at least 80% or 90%) of the touch sensitivedisplay) on a touch-sensitive display (e.g., map application view 5004-1in FIG. 5B occupies at least 80% of touch screen 112). The firstapplication view corresponds (804) to a first application in a pluralityof concurrently open applications, and the first application view isdisplayed (806) without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications.

The device detects (808) a first input (e.g., input 507 in FIG. 5B). Inresponse to detecting the first input (810), the device enters (812) anapplication view selection mode for selecting one of the concurrentlyopen applications for display in a corresponding application view, anddisplays (814) in a predefined area images of open applications (e.g.,images of open application 5008 in FIG. 5Q). Typically, the images ofopen applications are user selectable, and the images of openapplications, when selected (e.g., by a gesture), initiate certainprocesses associated with them (e.g., displaying a correspondingapplication view).

In some embodiments, the images of open applications in the predefinedarea are displayed (826 in FIG. 8B) in a single scrollable row or column(e.g., images of open applications 5008 in FIG. 5O). In someembodiments, the images of open applications in the predefined area aredisplayed (828) in a grid (e.g., images of open applications 5008 in agrid in FIG. 5Q). The grid includes at least two rows of images of openapplications.

In some embodiments, the device concurrently displays (830) thepredefined area and a search icon (e.g., search icon 5104 in FIG. 5V).In some embodiments, the device detects (832) a gesture (e.g., 521 inFIG. 5V) at a location that corresponds to the search icon, and inresponse to detecting the gesture at the location that corresponds tothe search icon, the device displays a search input user interface(e.g., the user interface in FIG. 5W, including keyboard 5014), receivesone or more search terms in the search input user interface, performs asearch using the one or more search terms, and displays results of thesearch.

Each image (e.g., live thumbnails) is displayed (834) at a second sizethat is smaller than the first size. For example, each image 5008 inFIG. 5Q is smaller than map application view 5004-1 in FIG. 5B. In someembodiments, the images are updated to display reduced-size images ofcorresponding applications (or current views in the correspondingapplication).

The images and corresponding open application icons correspond (844) toat least some of the plurality of concurrently open applications. Forexample, in FIG. 5R, image 5008-10 and application icon 5002-36correspond to a mail application. Therefore, in some embodiments,removing image 5008-10 and application icon 5002-36 closes thecorresponding mail application in device 100.

In some embodiments, a grid of reduced-scale images of open applicationsand/or open application icons are displayed in a predefined area withina search user interface (e.g., as a linear array or as an array with atleast two rows) (e.g., application icons 5002 in FIG. 5W).

The device detects (816 in FIG. 8A) a gesture on a respective image ofan open application in the predefined area (e.g., a gesture on image5008-10, not shown). In response to detecting the gesture on therespective image (818), the device performs the following actions. Thedevice displays (820) a respective application view at the first size onthe touch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in theplurality of concurrently open applications. The respective applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications (e.g., mail application view 5004-4 inFIG. 5BB). The device ceases (822) to display the images andcorresponding open application icons in the predefined area, and exits(824) the application view selection mode.

In some embodiments, displaying in the predefined area images of openapplications includes (836 in FIG. 8C) concurrently displaying acorresponding open application icon with each image (e.g., in FIG. 5S,application icons 5002-36, 5002-37, and 5002-38 are concurrentlydisplayed with images 5008-10, 5008-11, and 5008-12). The images andcorresponding open application icons correspond to at least some of theplurality of concurrently open applications. In response to detectingthe gesture on the respective image, the device ceases to display theimages and corresponding open application icons in the predefined area.The concurrent display of images and application icons provide severalbenefits. In particular, a user can easily identify the application towhich a respective reduced image corresponds to. Without the concurrentdisplay of application icons, it can be difficult to distinguishmultiple images with similar background. Therefore, providing theconcurrent display of application icons with the images reduces thecognitive burden on a user and makes a better human-machine interface.

In some embodiments, a respective open application icon in thepredefined area is displayed (838) adjacent to the image of thecorresponding open application (not shown). In some embodiments, arespective open application icon in the predefined area is displayed(840) at least partially overlapping the image of the corresponding openapplication (e.g., application icons 5002 in FIG. 5R). In someembodiments, a respective open application icon in the predefined areais displayed (842) entirely overlapping the image of the correspondingopen application (not shown).

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 800 (e.g., FIGS. 8A-8C and 5A-5HH) are also applicable in ananalogous manner to the methods described below. For example, methods900, 1000, and 1100 may include one or more of the characteristics ofthe various methods described above with reference to method 800. Forbrevity, these details are not repeated below.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating method 900 of selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.Method 900 is performed at a multifunction device (e.g., device 300,FIG. 3, or portable multifunction device 100, FIG. 1) with a display anda touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the display is a touchscreen display and the touch-sensitive surface is on the display. Insome embodiments, the display is separate from the touch-sensitivesurface. Some operations in method 900 may be combined and/or the orderof some operations may be changed.

As described below, method 900 provides an intuitive way to select oneof concurrently open applications. The method reduces the cognitiveburden on a user when selecting one of concurrently open application,thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. Forbattery-operated computing devices, enabling a user to select one ofconcurrently open applications faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges.

The device displays (902) a first application view at a first size(e.g., the first size of the application view occupies more than 50% ofthe touch sensitive display) on a touch-sensitive display. The firstapplication view corresponds (904) to a first application in a pluralityof concurrently open applications. The first application view isdisplayed (906) without concurrently displaying at the first size anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. For example, in FIG. 5B, map applicationview 5004-1 is displayed without concurrently displaying an applicationview for any other application.

The device concurrently displays (908) in a predefined area, images ofopen applications (e.g., FIG. 5O). Each image is displayed (910) at asecond size that is smaller than the first size (e.g., live thumbnails).The images correspond (912) to at least some of the plurality ofconcurrently open applications. In some embodiments, concurrentlydisplaying in the predefined area images of open applications includes(914) concurrently displaying a corresponding open application icon witheach image. The images and corresponding open application iconscorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications.

The device detects (916) a gesture on a respective image of an openapplication in the predefined area. In response to detecting the gestureon the respective image, the device displays (918) a respectiveapplication view at the first size on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications (e.g., a gesture on image 5008-10 of an email applicationinitiates the display of mail application view 5004-4, as shown in 5CC).The respective application view is displayed without concurrentlydisplaying at the first size an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications (e.g.,mail application view 5004-4 in 5CC).

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 900 (e.g., FIGS. 9 and 5A-5HH) are also applicable in ananalogous manner to the methods described below. For example, methods1000 and 1100 may include one or more of the characteristics of thevarious methods described above with reference to method 900. Forbrevity, these details are not repeated below.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating method 1000 of selecting one ofconcurrently open applications in accordance with some embodiments.Method 1000 is performed at a multifunction device (e.g., device 300,FIG. 3, or portable multifunction device 100, FIG. 1) with a display anda touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the display is a touchscreen display and the touch-sensitive surface is on the display. Insome embodiments, the display is separate from the touch-sensitivesurface. Some operations in method 1000 may be combined and/or the orderof some operations may be changed.

As described below, method 1000 provides an intuitive way to select oneof concurrently open applications. The method reduces the cognitiveburden on a user when selecting one of concurrently open application,thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. Forbattery-operated computing devices, enabling a user to select one ofconcurrently open applications faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges.

While in an application view selection mode for selecting one of aplurality of concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view (1002), the device performs the followingactions.

The device displays (1004) in a predefined area, an initial group ofopen application icons that correspond to at least some of the pluralityof concurrently open applications (e.g., application icons 5002 in FIG.5C).

The device detects (1006) a gesture in the predefined area. In responseto detecting the gesture in the predefined area (1008), the deviceperforms one of the following actions.

When the gesture is a first scroll gesture in a first direction (e.g., aright-to-left swipe gesture), the device scrolls (1010) to display otheropen application icons in the plurality of concurrently open applicationicons in the predefined area (e.g., application icons in FIG. 5E-5F).

When the gesture is a second scroll gesture in a second directionopposite the first direction (e.g., a left-to-right swipe gesture), thedevice scrolls (1012) to display settings icons in the predefined area(e.g., settings icons 5102 in FIGS. 5L-5M). In some embodiments, whenthe gesture is a second scroll gesture in a second direction differentfrom the first direction (e.g., a top-to-bottom swipe gesture), thedevice scrolls to display settings icons in the predefined area.

When the gesture is a first gesture (e.g., a tap gesture) on arespective open application icon (1014), the device displays (1016) arespective application view on the touch-sensitive display for acorresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, ceases (1020) to display open application icons in thepredefined area, and exits (1022) the application view selection mode(and enters a normal operation mode for the respective application). Insome embodiments, the respective application view is displayed (1018)without concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications.

In some embodiments, when the gesture is a first gesture (e.g., a tapgesture) on a respective settings icon, the device changes acorresponding setting, ceases to display open application icons in thepredefined area, and exits the application view selection mode (andenters a normal operation mode for the respective application).

In some embodiments, in response to detecting the gesture in thepredefined area, when the gesture is a second gesture (e.g.,tap-and-hold gesture 513 in FIG. 5G) that is distinct from the firstgesture, on a respective open application icon, the device displays(1024) a close-application icon for closing a corresponding application(e.g., an “X” icon or “-” icon 5002-38 in FIG. 5H on or proximate to theopen application icon).

Note that details of the processes described above with respect tomethod 1000 (e.g., FIGS. 10 and 5A-5HH) are also applicable in ananalogous manner to the methods described below. For example, method1100 may include one or more of the characteristics of the variousmethods described above with reference to method 1000. For brevity,these details are not repeated below.

FIGS. 11A-11B are flow diagrams illustrating method 1100 of selectingone of concurrently open applications in accordance with someembodiments. Method 1100 is performed at a multifunction device (e.g.,device 300, FIG. 3, or portable multifunction device 100, FIG. 1) with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the displayis a touch screen display and the touch-sensitive surface is on thedisplay. In some embodiments, the display is separate from thetouch-sensitive surface. Some operations in method 1100 may be combinedand/or the order of some operations may be changed.

As described below, method 1100 provides an intuitive way to select oneof concurrently open applications. The method reduces the cognitiveburden on a user when selecting one of concurrently open application,thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface. Forbattery-operated computing devices, enabling a user to select one ofconcurrently open applications faster and more efficiently conservespower and increases the time between battery charges.

The device displays (1102) a first application view at a first size in afirst application (e.g., in FIG. 5CC, mail application view 5004-4 in amail application). The first application view includes a user selectableobject (e.g., link 5020-1) associated with a second application (e.g., aweb browser application) that is distinct from the first application.

The device detects (1104) a first gesture at a location that correspondsto the user selectable object (e.g., gesture 525 in FIG. 5CC). Inresponse to detecting the first gesture (1106), the device ceases (1108)to display the first application view, and displays (1110) a secondapplication view in the second application (e.g., browser applicationview 5004-5 in FIG. 5DD). In some embodiments, the second applicationview replaces the first application view (e.g., in FIGS. 5CC-5DD,browser application view 5004-5 replaces mail application view 5004-4).

While in the second application, the device detects (1112) an input(e.g., input 527 in FIG. 5DD). In response to detecting the input(1114), the device performs the following actions. The device enters(1116) an application view selection mode for selecting one of aplurality of concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view. The device displays (1118) images ofopen applications in a first predefined area (e.g., images 5008-12 and5008-10 in FIG. 5EE). The images of open applications correspond to atleast some of the plurality of concurrently open applications. In someembodiments, the images are displayed as a scrollable linear strip ofimages (e.g., images 5008 are scrollable as shown in FIGS. 5EE-5FF).Each image is displayed at a second size that is smaller than the firstsize (e.g., live thumbnails). The images include an image of the firstapplication view and an image of a view in the second application (e.g.,image 5008-12 of a browser application view and image 5008-10 of a mailapplication view). The device displays (1120) in a second predefinedarea that is distinct from the first predefined area, a portion of aview with application icons for launching applications (e.g., a homescreen or springboard with application icons) (e.g., a portion of “homescreen” 5001).

In some embodiments, the device displays images of open applicationsthat are logically connected. For example, assume that in a mailapplication (e.g., FIG. 5CC), a web browser application is opened (e.g.,FIG. 5DD). Also assume that in the web browser application, anelectronic book application is opened (not shown). Then, the devicedisplays images of a subset of the mail application, the web browserapplication, and the electronic book application, regardless of anyother concurrently open applications.

While in the application view selection mode, the device detects (1122)a second gesture (e.g., a tap gesture). In response to detecting thesecond gesture (1124), the device performs one of the following actions.

When the second gesture is at a location corresponding to the image ofthe first application view (1126) (e.g., gesture 535 in FIG. 5EE), thedevice displays (1128) the first application view at the first size inthe first application (e.g., map application view 5004-4 in FIG. 5CC),ceases (1130) to display the images in the first predefined area, andexits (1132) the application view selection mode (and enters a normaloperation mode for the respective application).

When the second gesture is at a location corresponding to the secondpredefined area (1134) (e.g., gesture 533 in FIG. 5FF), the devicedisplays (1136) the view with application icons for launchingapplications (in other words, displaying the view with applicationlaunch items in its entirety, rather than displaying just a portion ofthis view) (e.g., home screen 5001 as shown in FIG. 5HH), ceases (1138)to display the images in the first predefined area, and exits (1140) theapplication view selection mode (and enters a normal operation mode forlaunching applications from the view with application icons).

In some embodiments, when the second gesture is at a locationcorresponding to an image of a respective application in the firstpredefined area (1142), the device displays (1144) a respectiveapplication view on the touch-sensitive display for a correspondingapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications, ceases(1148) to display the images in the first predefined area, and exits(1150) the application view selection mode (and enters a normaloperation mode for the respective application). For example, in responseto detecting gesture 531 at a location corresponding to image 5008-6 ofa map application, map application view is displayed on the display(e.g., FIG. 5GG).

In some embodiments, the respective application view is displayed (1146)without concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications (e.g.,FIG. 5GG).

The operations in the information processing methods described above maybe implemented by running one or more functional modules in informationprocessing apparatus such as general purpose processors or applicationspecific chips. These modules, combinations of these modules, and/ortheir combination with general hardware (e.g., as described above withrespect to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3) are all included within the scope ofprotection of the invention.

The operations described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, 7, 8A-8C,9, 10, and 11A-11B may be implemented by components depicted in FIGS.1A-1C. For example, detection operation 604, application view selectionmode entering operation 608, and exiting operation 622—may beimplemented by event sorter 170, event recognizer 180, and event handler190. Event monitor 171 in event sorter 170 detects a contact ontouch-sensitive display 112, and event dispatcher module 174 deliversthe event information to application 136-1. A respective eventrecognizer 180 of application 136-1 compares the event information torespective event definitions 186, and determines whether a first contactat a first location on the touch-sensitive surface (or whether rotationof the device) corresponds to a predefined event or sub-event, such asselection of an object on a user interface, or rotation of the devicefrom one orientation to another. When a respective predefined event orsub-event is detected, event recognizer 180 activates an event handler190 associated with the detection of the event or sub-event. Eventhandler 190 may utilize or call data updater 176, object updater 177 orGUI updater 178 to update the application internal state 192. In someembodiments, event handler 190 accesses a respective GUI updater 178 toupdate what is displayed by the application. Similarly, it would beclear to a person having ordinary skill in the art how other processescan be implemented based on the components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: at a multifunction devicewith a touch-sensitive display: displaying a first application view onthe touch-sensitive display that corresponds to a first application in aplurality of concurrently open applications, wherein the firstapplication view is displayed without concurrently displaying anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications; detecting a first input; in response todetecting the first input: entering an application view selection modefor selecting one of the concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view; displaying in a first predefined area aninitial group of open application icons that correspond to at least someof the plurality of concurrently open applications; and concurrentlydisplaying at least a portion of the first application view laterallyadjacent to the first predefined area; while in the application viewselection mode: detecting a scroll gesture in a first direction in thefirst predefined area; and, in response to detecting the scroll gesturein the first direction, scrolling the plurality of concurrently openapplication icons in the first predefined area in accordance with thescroll gesture to display other open application icons in the pluralityof concurrently open application icons in the first predetermined areasuch that the initial group of open application icons are moved off thetouch screen display; detecting a gesture on a respective openapplication icon in the first predefined area; and in response todetecting the gesture on the respective open application icon:displaying a respective application view on the touch-sensitive displayfor a corresponding application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications, wherein the respective application view is displayedwithout concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications; ceasingto display open application icons in the first predefined area; andexiting the application view selection mode.
 2. The method of claim 1,including: while in the application view selection mode: detecting agesture on the at least a portion of the first application view; and, inresponse to detecting the gesture on the portion of the firstapplication view: displaying the first application view on thetouch-sensitive display without concurrently displaying an applicationview for any other application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications; and exiting the application view selection mode.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein at least a subset of the open applicationicons include status indicia for corresponding applications.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the initial group of open application iconsincludes an audio application icon when a corresponding audioapplication is in use.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein openapplication icons are displayed in the first predefined area in asequence and the sequence is determined in accordance with a usagehistory for the corresponding open applications.
 6. The method of claim1, including: while displaying the initial group of open applicationicons in the application view selection mode: when a second scrollgesture in a second direction opposite the first direction is detectedin the first predefined area, scrolling to display settings icons in thefirst predefined area.
 7. The method of claim 1, including: while in theapplication view selection mode: detecting a swipe down gesture thatstarts from a top edge of the display; and, in response to detecting theswipe down gesture: displaying a user selectable icon, and displaying atleast one of: a list of recent electronic notifications, and userselected information.
 8. A multifunction device, comprising: atouch-sensitive display; one or more processors; memory; and one or moreprograms, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory andconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or moreprograms including instructions for: displaying a first application viewon the touch-sensitive display that corresponds to a first applicationin a plurality of concurrently open applications, wherein the firstapplication view is displayed without concurrently displaying anapplication view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications; detecting a first input; in response todetecting the first input: entering an application view selection modefor selecting one of the concurrently open applications for display in acorresponding application view; displaying in a first predefined area aninitial group of open application icons that correspond to at least someof the plurality of concurrently open applications; and concurrentlydisplaying at least a portion of the first application view laterallyadjacent to the first predefined area; while in the application viewselection mode: detecting a gesture on a respective open applicationicon in the first predefined area; and, in response to detecting thescroll gesture in the first direction, scrolling the plurality ofconcurrently open application icons in the first predefinied area inaccordance with the scroll gesture to display other open applicationicons in the plurality of concurrently open application icons in thefirst predetermined area such that the initial group of open applicationicons are moved off the touch screen display; detecting a gesture on arespective open application icon in the first predefined area; and, inresponse to detecting the gesture on the respective open applicationicon: displaying a respective application view on the touch-sensitivedisplay for a corresponding application in the plurality of concurrentlyopen applications, wherein the respective application view is displayedwithout concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications; ceasingto display open application icons in the first predefined area; andexiting the application view selection mode.
 9. A graphical userinterface on a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive display, amemory, and one or more processors to execute one or more programsstored in the memory, to generate the graphical user interfacecomprising: a first application view on the touch-sensitive display thatcorresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently openapplications, wherein the first application view is displayed withoutconcurrently displaying an application view for any other application inthe plurality of concurrently open applications; wherein: a first inputis detected; in response to detecting the first input: an applicationview selection mode for selecting one of the concurrently openapplications for display in a corresponding application view is entered;an initial group of open application icons that correspond to at leastsome of the plurality of concurrently open applications is displayed ina first predefined area; and at least a portion of the first applicationview is concurrently displayed laterally adjacent to the firstpredefined area; while in the application view selection mode: a scrollgesture is detected in a first direction in the first predefined area;and, in response to detecting the scroll gesture in the first direction,the plurality of concurrently open application icons in the firstpredefined area are scrolled in accordance with the scroll gesture todisplay other open application icons in the plurality of concurrentlyopen application icons in the first predetermined area such that theinitial group of open application icons are moved off the touch screendisplay; a gesture is detected on a respective open application icon inthe first predefined area; and, in response to detecting the gesture onthe respective open application icon: a respective application view isdisplayed on the touch-sensitive display for a corresponding applicationin the plurality of concurrently open applications, wherein therespective application view is displayed without concurrently displayingan application view for any other application in the plurality ofconcurrently open applications; open application icons cease to bedisplayed in the first predefined area; and the application viewselection mode is exited.
 10. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprisinginstructions, which when executed by a multifunction device with atouch-sensitive display, cause the device to: display a firstapplication view on the touch-sensitive display that corresponds to afirst application in a plurality of concurrently open applications,wherein the first application view is displayed without concurrentlydisplaying an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications; detect a first input; inresponse to detecting the first input: enter an application viewselection mode for selecting one of the concurrently open applicationsfor display in a corresponding application view; display in a firstpredefined area an initial group of open application icons thatcorrespond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently openapplications; and concurrently display at least a portion of the firstapplication view laterally adjacent to the first predefined area; whilein the application view selection mode: detect a scroll gesture in afirst direction in the first predefined area; and, in response todetecting the scroll gesture in the first direction, scroll theplurality of concurrently open application icons in the first predefinedarea in accordance with the scroll gesture to display other openapplication icons in the plurality of concurrently open applicationicons in the first predetermined area such that the initial group ofopen application icons are moved off the touch screen display; detect agesture on a respective open application icon in the first predefinedarea; and, in response to detecting the gesture on the respective openapplication icon: display a respective application view on thetouch-sensitive display for a corresponding application in the pluralityof concurrently open applications, wherein the respective applicationview is displayed without concurrently displaying an application viewfor any other application in the plurality of concurrently openapplications; cease to display open application icons in the firstpredefined area; and exit the application view selection mode.
 11. Thedevice of claim 8, including instructions for: while in the applicationview selection mode: detecting a gesture on the at least a portion ofthe first application view; and, in response to detecting the gesture onthe portion of the first application view: displaying the firstapplication view on the touch-sensitive display without concurrentlydisplaying an application view for any other application in theplurality of concurrently open applications; and exiting the applicationview selection mode.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein at least asubset of the open application icons include status indicia forcorresponding applications.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein theinitial group of open application icons includes an audio applicationicon when a corresponding audio application is in use.
 14. The device ofclaim 8, wherein open application icons are displayed in the firstpredefined area in a sequence and the sequence is determined inaccordance with a usage history for the corresponding open applications.15. The device of claim 8, including instructions for: while displayingthe initial group of open application icons in the application viewselection mode: when a second scroll gesture in a second directionopposite the first direction is detected in the first predefined area,scrolling to display settings icons in the first predefined area. 16.The device of claim 8, including instructions for: while in theapplication view selection mode: detecting a swipe down gesture thatstarts from a top edge of the display; and, in response to detecting theswipe down gesture: displaying a user selectable icon, and displaying atleast one of: a list of recent electronic notifications, and userselected information.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 10, including instructions which cause the device to:while in the application view selection mode: detect a gesture on the atleast a portion of the first application view; and, in response todetecting the gesture on the portion of the first application view:display the first application view on the touch-sensitive displaywithout concurrently displaying an application view for any otherapplication in the plurality of concurrently open applications; and exitthe application view selection mode.
 18. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 10, wherein at least a subset of theopen application icons include status indicia for correspondingapplications.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium ofclaim 10, wherein the initial group of open application icons includesan audio application icon when a corresponding audio application is inuse.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim10, wherein open application icons are displayed in the first predefinedarea in a sequence and the sequence is determined in accordance with ausage history for the corresponding open applications.
 21. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, includinginstructions which cause the device to: while displaying the initialgroup of open application icons in the application view selection mode:when a second scroll gesture in a second direction opposite the firstdirection is detected in the first predefined area, scroll to displaysettings icons in the first predefined area.
 22. The non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium of claim 10, including instructionswhich cause the device to: while in the application view selection mode:detect a swipe down gesture that starts from a top edge of the display;and, in response to detecting the swipe down gesture: display a userselectable icon, and display at least one of: a list of recentelectronic notifications, and user selected information.